PFAS

Ecotoxicology. 2026 Feb 28;35(4):74. doi: 10.1007/s10646-026-03027-6.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41762303 | DOI:10.1007/s10646-026-03027-6

Reprod Toxicol. 2026 Feb 26:109207. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109207. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may disrupt ovarian function and influence menstrual bleeding. PFAS have been associated with reproductive aging; however, longitudinal data on PFAS and menstrual cycle characteristics (cycle length, bleeding patterns) are limited.

METHODS: We examined 952 women aged 45-55 years from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, with seven PFAS concentrations measured in serum collected in 1999-2000. Menstrual cycle data were collected prospectively using monthly calendars for two years following PFAS measurement. Menstrual cycle length (MCL) was evaluated using linear quantile mixed models at the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles. Bleed length and binary bleeding outcomes (long and heavy) were analyzed using linear and generalized linear mixed models. Models were adjusted for race/ethnicity, education, physical activity, menopause status, smoking status, body mass index, and baseline menstrual characteristics.

RESULTS: Higher perfluorooctane sulfonic acid concentrations were associated with shorter short cycles (MCL at the 25^th percentile) (-0.52 days; 95% CI, -1.09 to 0.05) and longer long cycles (MCL at the 90^th percentile) (2.77 days; 95% CI, 1.96 to 3.58). Perfluorononanoic acid was associated with longer short cycles (0.56 days; 95% CI, 0.06 to 1.05). No PFAS was associated with median MCL. Most PFAS, except 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid and 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid, were associated with shorter menses and lower odds of long or heavy bleeding.

CONCLUSION: PFAS exposure may be associated with increased menstrual cycle variability and reduced bleeding. Further research in younger cohorts is needed.

PMID:41763333 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109207

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 26;312:119957. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119957. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

From a One Health perspective, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and mercury (Hg) are global contaminants of concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxic effects on wildlife. The waterbirds, as key indicators of wetland ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to multiple pollutants, yet interspecific patterns of accumulation and co-exposure remain poorly understood. In our study, we collected 141 feather samples from three representative waterbird species (Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis, Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, and Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus) in Huize Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve, Southwest China. Results revealed species-specific contamination patterns: Black-necked Cranes exhibited the highest mean Hg concentrations (2.94 ± 1.05 μg/g), whereas Eurasian Moorhen showed the highest mean PFAS burdens (191.99 ± 191.88 ng/g). Although Eurasian Moorhens displayed intermediate concentrations, they were the only species showing a significant positive correlation between Hg and PFAS (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), suggesting overlapping exposure pathways. Trophic guild and body size emerged as key predictors: omnivorous species and larger individuals consistently exhibited lower PFAS loads, while Hg concentrations were more strongly shaped by foraging ecology and aquatic dietary pathways than by body size. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that even within protected wetlands, waterbirds face substantial risks from multi-pollutant exposure. This underscored the urgent need for integrated monitoring and targeted conservation strategies to mitigate the combined ecological risks posed by Hg and PFAS in critical migratory habitats.

PMID:41762597 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119957

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 26:124095. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has been linked to altered pubertal timing, though epidemiological findings remain inconsistent. This study examined associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and pubertal development in children. Concentrations of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were quantified in maternal plasma collected during the first trimester of pregnancy in the Spanish INMA (Infancia y Medio Ambiente) cohort. Children's pubertal development was assessed longitudinally between ages 7 and 13 using the parent-reported Pubertal Development Scale (PDS), with specific scales for gonadal and adrenal development. Data were available for 492 mother-girls pairs at the 7-9-year follow up and 475 mother-boys pairs at the 11-13-year follow up based on the typical sex-specific timing of puberty. Poisson regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) were used to estimate associations between PFAS (individually and as mixtures, respectively) and the risk of earlier puberty development (PDS stage 1 vs. 2+), adjusting for confounders. Among girls, PFHxS was associated with an increased risk of early adrenarche (Relative Risk [RR]=1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-3.25), while PFOS was inversely associated with early gonadarche RR=0.61; 95% CI: 0.37-1.00). In boys, PFOS showed a marginal trend toward an increased risk of early overall pubertal onset (RR=1.47; 95% CI: 0.99-2.19). Stratified analyses mainly revealed stronger associations among overweight/obese children. The mixture analysis suggested a positive trend for early adrenal development in both sexes, with significant associations in boys. Although our findings do not provide definitive evidence of a relationship between prenatal PFAS exposure and pubertal timing, they are compatible with the endocrine-disrupting potential of PFAS. The observed patterns, including possible modification by weight status and mixture signals, warrant further research.

PMID:41763473 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124095

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 27;312:119955. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119955. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major contributor to global mortality. Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals that are persistent in the environment and the human body, has emerged as a novel risk factor for CVDs. In this review, we conducted a structured literature search in PubMed and Web of Science to identify original research articles published up to February 14, 2025. We summarized the epidemiological findings for the impact of PFAS exposure on CVDs and the pathologic precursors of CVDs including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and arterial stiffness. Although inconclusive, current evidence suggests a potential association between PFAS exposure, primarily legacy congeners such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), with increased incidence, prevalence, and mortality of various CVDs, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, as well as elevated blood pressure, aggravated atherosclerosis, and arterial stiffening. Sex, age, socioeconomic status, and underlying health conditions may influence susceptibility to the cardiovascular effects of PFAS exposure; however, current evidence remains inconclusive. Future work is needed to assess the safety of a broader range of PFAS compounds, particularly the emerging ones. The majority of the existing studies evaluating the association between PFAS exposure and CVDs are cross-sectional. Experimental and longitudinal studies are warranted to establish the causal relationship between PFAS exposure and CVDs, as well as to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.

PMID:41762981 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119955

Reprod Toxicol. 2026 Feb 26:109207. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109207. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may disrupt ovarian function and influence menstrual bleeding. PFAS have been associated with reproductive aging; however, longitudinal data on PFAS and menstrual cycle characteristics (cycle length, bleeding patterns) are limited.

METHODS: We examined 952 women aged 45-55 years from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, with seven PFAS concentrations measured in serum collected in 1999-2000. Menstrual cycle data were collected prospectively using monthly calendars for two years following PFAS measurement. Menstrual cycle length (MCL) was evaluated using linear quantile mixed models at the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles. Bleed length and binary bleeding outcomes (long and heavy) were analyzed using linear and generalized linear mixed models. Models were adjusted for race/ethnicity, education, physical activity, menopause status, smoking status, body mass index, and baseline menstrual characteristics.

RESULTS: Higher perfluorooctane sulfonic acid concentrations were associated with shorter short cycles (MCL at the 25^th percentile) (-0.52 days; 95% CI, -1.09 to 0.05) and longer long cycles (MCL at the 90^th percentile) (2.77 days; 95% CI, 1.96 to 3.58). Perfluorononanoic acid was associated with longer short cycles (0.56 days; 95% CI, 0.06 to 1.05). No PFAS was associated with median MCL. Most PFAS, except 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid and 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid, were associated with shorter menses and lower odds of long or heavy bleeding.

CONCLUSION: PFAS exposure may be associated with increased menstrual cycle variability and reduced bleeding. Further research in younger cohorts is needed.

PMID:41763333 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109207

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Feb 27:vgag049. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag049. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent synthetic chemicals with known toxicological effects, including endocrine and developmental disruption. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), one of the most prevalent PFASs, can enter freshwater ecosystems via runoff and effluents, potentially transferring through food webs to humans. Freshwater pulmonate snails (family: Lymnaeidae) occupy a basal trophic position and may act as both PFOS bioindicators and contaminant vectors. We tested whether Stagnicola elodes snails could detect and behaviorally avoid PFOS at environmentally relevant concentrations using a Y-tube choice assay. Snails were given a choice between control water and PFOS solutions ranging from 4 to 2500 ng/L. Behavioral outcomes were classified as movement toward PFOS, toward control water, or no decision. Avoidance behavior was significant at 300 ng/L when excluding non-decision snails, and at 100, 300, and 400 ng/L when including them. These results suggest that S. elodes can detect PFOS within a narrow concentration range, but behavioral responses are modest and at levels above safe drinking water standards (∼4 ng/L), minimizing both their potential as a strong bioindicator species for PFOS contamination and their ability to limit trophic transport.

PMID:41761455 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag049

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Feb 27:vgag049. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag049. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent synthetic chemicals with known toxicological effects, including endocrine and developmental disruption. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), one of the most prevalent PFASs, can enter freshwater ecosystems via runoff and effluents, potentially transferring through food webs to humans. Freshwater pulmonate snails (family: Lymnaeidae) occupy a basal trophic position and may act as both PFOS bioindicators and contaminant vectors. We tested whether Stagnicola elodes snails could detect and behaviorally avoid PFOS at environmentally relevant concentrations using a Y-tube choice assay. Snails were given a choice between control water and PFOS solutions ranging from 4 to 2500 ng/L. Behavioral outcomes were classified as movement toward PFOS, toward control water, or no decision. Avoidance behavior was significant at 300 ng/L when excluding non-decision snails, and at 100, 300, and 400 ng/L when including them. These results suggest that S. elodes can detect PFOS within a narrow concentration range, but behavioral responses are modest and at levels above safe drinking water standards (∼4 ng/L), minimizing both their potential as a strong bioindicator species for PFOS contamination and their ability to limit trophic transport.

PMID:41761455 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag049

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 26:127896. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127896. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been epidemiologically associated with ocular disorders, its direct specific role in retinal disease and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not well understood. We initially examined serum PFAS levels in relation to retinal diseases among 777 participants (666 controls vs. 111 cases) from the Isomer of C8 Health Project in China. Then, C57BL/6 mice were orally gavaged with PFOS at doses of 0.8, 8, and 80 μg/kg/day for 90 days in vivo. The retinal ganglion cell line (RGC-5) was also exposed to PFOS at concentrations of 0, 1, 10, and 100 μM for 24 hours in vitro. Epidemiological analysis showed a significant positive association between serum PFOS levels and the risk of retinal disease (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.20, 1.80). In mice, exposure to PFOS caused progressive retinal thinning, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, and retinal inflammation. In RGC-5 cells, PFOS activated Caspase-8, which led to cleavage of both GSDMD and GSDME, thereby inducing pyroptosis. Blocking Caspase-8 significantly reduced pyroptotic cell death involving GSDMD or GSDME. This study identifies PFOS as a new environmental trigger for retinal diseases through Caspase-8-mediated dual cleavage of GSDMD and GSDME. Our findings connect human exposure data with mechanistic toxicology and highlight the Caspase-8-gasdermin axis as a potential therapeutic target for PFOS related retinal disease.

PMID:41763518 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127896

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 26:124095. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has been linked to altered pubertal timing, though epidemiological findings remain inconsistent. This study examined associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and pubertal development in children. Concentrations of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were quantified in maternal plasma collected during the first trimester of pregnancy in the Spanish INMA (Infancia y Medio Ambiente) cohort. Children's pubertal development was assessed longitudinally between ages 7 and 13 using the parent-reported Pubertal Development Scale (PDS), with specific scales for gonadal and adrenal development. Data were available for 492 mother-girls pairs at the 7-9-year follow up and 475 mother-boys pairs at the 11-13-year follow up based on the typical sex-specific timing of puberty. Poisson regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) were used to estimate associations between PFAS (individually and as mixtures, respectively) and the risk of earlier puberty development (PDS stage 1 vs. 2+), adjusting for confounders. Among girls, PFHxS was associated with an increased risk of early adrenarche (Relative Risk [RR]=1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-3.25), while PFOS was inversely associated with early gonadarche RR=0.61; 95% CI: 0.37-1.00). In boys, PFOS showed a marginal trend toward an increased risk of early overall pubertal onset (RR=1.47; 95% CI: 0.99-2.19). Stratified analyses mainly revealed stronger associations among overweight/obese children. The mixture analysis suggested a positive trend for early adrenal development in both sexes, with significant associations in boys. Although our findings do not provide definitive evidence of a relationship between prenatal PFAS exposure and pubertal timing, they are compatible with the endocrine-disrupting potential of PFAS. The observed patterns, including possible modification by weight status and mixture signals, warrant further research.

PMID:41763473 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124095

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2026 Feb 6;23(2):205. doi: 10.3390/ijerph23020205.

ABSTRACT

Depression is a major public health concern, and evidence continues to show that environmental toxicants may contribute to its development. This study evaluated the association between depressive symptoms and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, phthalates, and organophosphate metabolites using data from NHANES 2017-2018. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Environmental exposure variables were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). All models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates. In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, higher urinary dimethylphosphate concentrations were significantly associated with increased depressive symptom scores (β = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.27; p = 0.0098). Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was also positively associated with PHQ-9 scores (β = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.0019; p = 0.0043). Because environmental mixtures tend to follow non-linear patterns, BKMR analysis was run. BKMR analyses indicated that organophosphate metabolites exhibited the greatest overall contribution to depressive symptoms (group posterior inclusion probability = 0.7875), with diethylphosphate emerging as the most influential individual exposure within the group (conditional PIP = 0.7211). Exposure-response functions suggested non-linear and threshold relationships for several metabolites. These findings identify specific organophosphate and phthalate metabolites as potential contributors to depressive symptoms and support the importance of evaluating chemical mixtures rather than single exposures. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and to inform public health efforts aimed at reducing exposure to organophosphate pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

PMID:41752287 | PMC:PMC12941221 | DOI:10.3390/ijerph23020205

J AOAC Int. 2026 Feb 27:qsag014. doi: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsag014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated organic chemicals, which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFAS are persistent and bioaccumulate. PFAS can enter the food supply through plants and animals grown, raised, or processed in contaminated areas.

OBJECTIVE: This single-laboratory validation (SLV) study was conducted for a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to determine 30 PFAS in a variety of foods, including produce, coffee, milk, protein powders, eggs, seafood, fish meat, edible offal, fish oil, baby food, and pet food, and compare with AOAC INTERNATIONAL Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR®) 2023.003.

METHOD: Matrixes were extracted using acetonitrile and QuEChERS reagents then purified by solid phase extraction (SPE) and concentrated under nitrogen. Fish meat did not require concentration under nitrogen, and fish oil and edible offal did not require QuEChERS reagents and sample concentration to reach the required limit of quantitation (LOQ).

RESULTS: The LC-MS/MS system provides linear responses in the range of 0.01-25 µg/kg for most target analytes, depending on the matrix. Triplicate determinations over at least three spiking concentrations were made in each matrix with quantitation by isotopic dilution. We evaluated recovery, precision, retention time, blanks, ion ratios and S/N of the qualifier ions in all matrixes to determine the LOQ. Potential interference from cholic acids were separated chromatographically.

CONCLUSIONS: The method developed and validated for the analysis of PFAS in food met the LOQ, and recovery and precision requirements of the SMPR.

HIGHLIGHTS: The LC-MS/MS method developed uses a single set of operating conditions enabling easy and rapid transfer of the method. The extraction is simplified, with only small variations necessary due to the sample matrix. The implementation of this method is cost effective to laboratories due to minimal solvent usage and labor required to extract samples.

PMID:41758915 | DOI:10.1093/jaoacint/qsag014

Environ Int. 2026 Feb 23;209:110163. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110163. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Coastal estuarine ecosystems play a critical role in supporting biodiversity but are increasingly threatened by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study combined in situ PFAS monitoring with environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to investigate their impacts on fish species and community structure. PFAS concentrations ranged from 7.34 to 82.04 ng L^-1 in water and 1.87-4.98 ng g^-1 dw in sediments. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) replaced perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as the predominant PFAS in water, with mean concentrations of 3.74 ± 2.67 ng L^-1 and 13.84 ± 3.95 ng L^-1, respectively. In organisms, PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.13 to 96.21 ng g^-1 ww and were higher in benthic invertebrates. As alternatives to PFOA and PFOS, PFBA and PFBS displayed comparable or even greater bioaccumulation potential, whereas chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (F-53B) exhibited significant trophic magnification (p < 0.05). PFAS occurrence was closely associated with fish community diversity, and increasing PFAS concentrations were linked to a potential decline in the Shannon index (p < 0.05). From a species-community perspective, typical PFAS in estuarine environments exhibit bioaccumulation and trophic magnification, underscoring the need for further attention to their ecological impacts at both species and community levels.

PMID:41759277 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110163

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 26;396:127891. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127891. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PER-: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely present in the environment and organisms globally, and pose health risks. This study assessed gas-particle partitioning and health risks of PFAS in indoor air and PM_2.5 at a university, and evaluated the potential utility of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a bioindicator for indoor PFAS exposure. The average ∑PFAS concentrations in various indoor environments were 14.6-27.6 pg/m³ in air and 19.8-34.4 pg/m³ in PM_2.5. PFAS were prevalent indoors, with short- and medium-chain PFAS dominating in air, whereas long-chain PFAS dominating in PM_2.5. The average ∑PFAS concentrations in air of unrenovated dormitories (Type Ⅱ, 22.1 pg/m³) exceeded those in renovated dormitories (Types I and Ⅲ, 17.0 and 19.8 pg/m³, respectively). The detection of PFAS in EBC validates that it reflects indoor PFAS inhalation exposure, with levels correlating with indoor atmospheric PFAS. Moreover, statistically significant associations (FDR-corrected q < 0.05) were observed between specific indoor PFAS (e.g., PFPeA, PFOA, PFOcDA, PFHxDA, PFOS) and EBC inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-4, IP-10, IL-1ra, IL-17, IL-1β), with moderate correlation coefficients (r = 0.471-0.690, q < 0.05), suggesting potential links between indoor PFAS exposure and respiratory inflammatory responses. Although the health risks associated with PFAS were relatively low, the long-term health hazards associated with low-dose PFAS exposure should not be overlooked.

PMID:41759615 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127891

Bioresour Technol. 2026 Feb 25;448:134289. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134289. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated a pilot-scale hybrid constructed wetland designed to treat urban runoff, residual wastewater, and combined sewer overflows discharging into Sebkha Sijoumi (Tunis, Tunisia), during both summer and winter seasons. In summer, the system achieved > 80% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, maintaining a stable effluent of ∼40 mg/L at an 18-h hydraulic retention time (HRT), whereas winter operation required an HRT of 48 h. Ammonium removal ranged from 50 to 100%, consistent with active nitrification-denitrification processes. In winter effluents, aluminum, selected long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and ofloxacin were below detection limits, whereas diclofenac, bisphenol A, and short-chain perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) showed limited removal. Life cycle assessment indicated that the construction phase dominated environmental impacts, while operational emissions and water consumption were 97% lower than those of conventional treatment processes. Despite higher capital costs (1.76 €/m³; ≈US$1.90/m³), negligible operating costs (0.0023 €/m³; ≈US$0.0025/m³) suggest long-term economic benefits. These results highlight the potential of nature-based solutions for sustainable urban runoff management.

PMID:41759979 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134289

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Feb 22;27(4):2036. doi: 10.3390/ijms27042036.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has been a cause for concern for decades due to evidence linking exposure to these substances with adverse health effects. Its widespread use in industrial and consumer products combined with their persistence in the environment poses a toxicological and regulatory challenge. Due to its ubiquity, resistance to degradation, and accumulation in biological systems, humans are exposed to a mixture of multiple PFASs, which complicates the analysis of exposure effects. As PFASs pose a risk to human health, it is crucial to study their impact during vulnerable periods, such as pregnancy. In this regard, understanding the impact of PFASs on the placenta is essential, as they can affect both pregnancy and the well-being of the developing fetus. This article reviews the current evidence linking PFAS exposure with altered placental function, focusing on the affected molecular pathways. Furthermore, we examine current methodologies for analyzing the effects of exposure to complex mixtures and explore how these approaches could be employed to evaluate the potential impact of such mixtures on placental function in the context of real-life exposure to these chemicals.

PMID:41752174 | PMC:PMC12941165 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27042036

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2026 Feb 6;23(2):205. doi: 10.3390/ijerph23020205.

ABSTRACT

Depression is a major public health concern, and evidence continues to show that environmental toxicants may contribute to its development. This study evaluated the association between depressive symptoms and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, phthalates, and organophosphate metabolites using data from NHANES 2017-2018. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Environmental exposure variables were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). All models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates. In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, higher urinary dimethylphosphate concentrations were significantly associated with increased depressive symptom scores (β = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.27; p = 0.0098). Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was also positively associated with PHQ-9 scores (β = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.0019; p = 0.0043). Because environmental mixtures tend to follow non-linear patterns, BKMR analysis was run. BKMR analyses indicated that organophosphate metabolites exhibited the greatest overall contribution to depressive symptoms (group posterior inclusion probability = 0.7875), with diethylphosphate emerging as the most influential individual exposure within the group (conditional PIP = 0.7211). Exposure-response functions suggested non-linear and threshold relationships for several metabolites. These findings identify specific organophosphate and phthalate metabolites as potential contributors to depressive symptoms and support the importance of evaluating chemical mixtures rather than single exposures. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and to inform public health efforts aimed at reducing exposure to organophosphate pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

PMID:41752287 | PMC:PMC12941221 | DOI:10.3390/ijerph23020205

Mater Today Bio. 2026 Feb 11;37:102928. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102928. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

Bacterial infection and severe inflammatory responses are major barriers to successful wound healing. Drug delivery systems have shown promise in precision medicine by enhancing the targeting and protection of therapeutic agents. However, their use is limited by challenges such as biocompatibility issues, structurally complex, high manufacturing costs, suboptimal drug loading, unstable release, and premature immune clearance. Although targeted delivery aims to improve efficacy, it may increase the risk of toxicity. Consequently, conventional non-carrier drugs often remain more practical and effective. Emerging vehicle-free systems with multifunctional capabilities show promise for precise targeting, controlled release, reduced toxicity, and simplified manufacturing. Here, we rationally designed and established a vehicle-free perfluoroalkyl material (PFAS)-gallium composites (PFASs@Ga) through introducing gallium (Ga) in PFASs, taking advantage of the collective merits of Ga's antibacterial and pro-healing properties and PFAS's well-recognized oxygen absorption, carrying of oxygen, chemical inertness, and tunable physicochemical properties. Extensive characterization showed well-defined morphology, elemental configuration, and distinct profiles of gallium ion release. The PFUnA@Ga composite improves gallium integration, Ga release, and O₂ delivery. This allowed it to demonstrate potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against bacteria, including MRSA and E. coli, which are known to be resistant. In a MRSA-infected wound model, PFUnA@Ga enhances wound closure and reduces bacterial load, thereby promoting regeneration and angiogenesis. The downregulation of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and the upregulation of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages and CD31⁺ endothelial cells, representing immunomodulatory effects that facilitate inflammation resolution and vascularization. Results confirmed the composites' antibacterial activity and accelerated wound-healing efficacy. This multifunctional composite offers a novel approach for advanced wound management. More specifically, the synergistic approach combines metal-ion mediated bacterial inactivation with sustained oxygenation to support infection control and tissue repair.

PMID:41756524 | PMC:PMC12933781 | DOI:10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102928

Life (Basel). 2026 Feb 7;16(2):285. doi: 10.3390/life16020285.

ABSTRACT

Identifying structurally similar ligand-binding sites in unrelated proteins can facilitate drug repurposing, reveal off-target effects, and deepen our understanding of protein function. A number of tools were developed for structural screening, but many of them suffer from limited sensitivity and scalability. Using a data bank of crystallized protein structures, we aimed to discover novel protein targets for a ligand by leveraging a known ligand-binding query protein with a resolved structure. Here, we present SLAM (Spacio-Linear Alignment of Macromolecules), a novel alignment-based algorithm that detects local 3D similarities between ligand-binding cavities or protein-exposed surfaces of query and target proteins. SLAM encodes spatial substructure neighborhoods into short linear sequences of physicochemically annotated atoms, then applies pairwise sequence alignment combined with distance-correlation scoring to identify high-fidelity structural matches. Benchmarking using the Kahraman-36 dataset demonstrated that SLAM outperforms the state-of-the-art ProBiS algorithm in true-positive rate for predicting ligand-docking compatibility. Furthermore, SLAM identifies candidate ligands that may inhibit functionally critical domains of CRISPR-Cas proteins and predicts novel binding partners of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) compounds (PFOA, PFOS) with plausible mechanistic links to toxicity. In conclusion, SLAM is a robust computationally efficient and flexible structural screening tool capable of detecting subtle physicochemical compatibilities between protein surfaces, promising to accelerate target discovery in pharmacology and elucidate protein-ligand interactions in environmental toxicology.

PMID:41752921 | PMC:PMC12942009 | DOI:10.3390/life16020285

Environ Health. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12940-026-01279-7. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41761315 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-026-01279-7

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Feb 23;27(4):2084. doi: 10.3390/ijms27042084.

ABSTRACT

Soil contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represents a pressing environmental and public health concern due to the exceptional persistence of carbon-fluorine bonds, which prevent natural attenuation and limit the effectiveness of conventional remediation. Agricultural and industrial soils serve as long-term sinks for PFAS, continuously releasing these pollutants into groundwater and facilitating their transfer through the food chain. Conventional chemical and physical remediation methods are often costly, energy-intensive, and yield incomplete removal, underscoring the need for sustainable and biologically driven alternatives. Microbial consortia have emerged as a promising solution due to their metabolic complementarities, cross-feeding interactions, and ecological resilience, which together enable PFAS transformation and partial defluorination under complex soil and subsurface conditions. Key enzymes such as oxygenases, reductive dehalogenases, and hydrolases are often operating within co-metabolic networks, which play central roles in these processes. Advances in metagenomics, CRISPR-based functional screening, and metabolic modelling are rapidly uncovering novel PFAS-degrading microbes and pathways. Integration of machine learning with multi-omics and environmental datasets further enables the prediction of degradation mechanisms, identification of keystone degraders, and rational design of synthetic consortia. Emerging sustainable strategies, including biochar- and nutrient-amended soil microcosms, plant-microbe partnerships for coupled soil-groundwater phytoremediation, and bioelectrochemical systems that offer new avenues for enhancing PFAS biodegradation in situ. This review synthesises recent research progress and provides critical perspectives on the mechanistic, ecological, and engineering dimensions of PFAS bioremediation, proposing an integrated conceptual framework linking microbial consortia dynamics, enzymatic pathways, and environmental engineering interventions to guide scalable field applications and sustainable management of PFAS-contaminated soil-groundwater ecosystems.

PMID:41752220 | PMC:PMC12940359 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27042084

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Feb 28. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-37545-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PFAS is a class of emerging contaminants, and their exposure has been linked to many deleterious health effects which pose major threats to public health. Dietary intake has been recognized as the principal source of PFAS exposure to animals and humans while drinking water is the major route. Given the persistent nature of PFAS in water and the environment, this study was designed to provide effective and potentially scalable strategies to mitigate PFAS toxicity using organoclays. The study has been designed to investigate and characterize the adsorption behavior of four PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and GenX) onto active binding surfaces of four commercially available organoclay products called ENVIRO-TROL™ (ENT), ORGANO-TROL™ (OT2), and AGRI-TROL™ (ATB and ATM). This study evaluates key PFAS binding markers for these organoclays including Gibbs free energy (∆G), adsorption capacity, and binding affinity for PFAS. These parameters served as indicators for predicting the bioavailability of PFAS under the experimental settings. Additionally, the proof-of-concept for the protective role of the organoclay in PFAS-mediated toxicity was evaluated using living organisms (Hydra vulgaris and Lemna minor) as sensitive ecotoxicology models. The results showed varied adsorption behavior from pH 2 to 10. All the organoclays demonstrated the highest PFAS binding at pH 2. OT2 showed the highest adsorption for PFOA (78%), PFOS (47%), GenX (54%), and PFBS (66%), followed by ATM, while ATB and ENT showed slightly lower binding. Isotherm data indicated that all the binding followed a Freundlich model with high adsorption capacity. Moreover, they were all thermodynamically favorable with ∆G values ranging from - /20.00/ to - /30.96/kJ/mol. In vivo data indicated severe toxicity of PFAS exposure to hydra vulgaris and Lemna minor; however, inclusion of the organoclays into the aqueous media of hydra and lemna resulted in over 90 to 100% protection from PFAS toxicity. This finding implies that these organoclays may be used in environmental remediation applications to adsorb PFAS from polluted water and bind and detain it in contaminated soil.

PMID:41761030 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-37545-x

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c07211. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent pollutants that raise food safety concerns, especially near contamination hotspots. This study measured 9 PFAS in milk and 15 PFAS in water from 22 Swedish dairy farms <10 km from contamination hotspots and 49 PFAS in milk from 20 regional production facilities. PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA were quantified in 5-77% of milk from dairy farms, with maximum levels of 18, 17, and 10 pg/g milk ww, respectively; the remaining PFAS were below method detection limits (MDL). All PFAS were < MDL at production facilities. One dairy farm milk sample exceeded EU's indicative level for PFOA (10 pg/g), but levels in production facilities suggest limited consumer exposure. No correlation was found between PFAS in farm water and milk, implying other exposure routes may dominate when water contamination is low. While results indicate limited health risks, contamination in other milk-producing regions cannot be ruled out, supporting the need for continued PFAS monitoring in dairy production.

PMID:41758925 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c07211

Metabolites. 2026 Feb 15;16(2):135. doi: 10.3390/metabo16020135.

ABSTRACT

Background/Objectives: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants that accumulate in humans through everyday exposure pathways, raising concern about long-term metabolic health effects in exposed populations. This study aimed to characterize PFAS-associated serum metabolic alterations in a Flemish population residing within a 3 km radius of a PFAS production facility using untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics. Methods: A cohort of 82 adults was stratified into high-exposure (n = 41, median total PFAS = 162.0 ng/mL) and low-exposure (n = 41, median total PFAS = 7.2 ng/mL) groups. Serum metabolic profiling was performed using four liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)-based platforms. Univariate and multivariate statistics were conducted to identify metabolites that were differentially expressed between both exposure groups. Results: The analysis revealed 38 altered metabolites. Overall, high PFAS exposure was characterized by upregulation of phosphatidylglycerols (PG), phosphatidylinositols, phosphatidylethanolamines (PE), and triacylglycerols (TG) and downregulation of sphingomyelins, with differential regulation of ceramides, hexosylceramides (HexCer), and phosphatidylcholines. Glycerophospholipid metabolism as well as sphingolipid metabolism pathways were identified as perturbed. Seven lipids and one amino acid showed weak-to-strong correlations (|r|= 0.23-0.61) with PFAS levels. A panel of five metabolites was selected to explore whether they collectively form a potential metabolic signature associated with PFAS exposure. This panel, including L-aspartic acid, PG 18:0_18:2, HexCer (d18:1/14:0), PE 16:0_18:3, and TG 16:0_20:5_22:6, showed moderate discrimination between residents with high and low PFAS levels (area under the curve, AUC = 0.753). Conclusions: This study identifies coordinated lipid metabolic changes associated with PFAS exposure and highlights a small, exploratory metabolite panel that may provide complementary insight into the biological effects of PFAS.

PMID:41745616 | PMC:PMC12943362 | DOI:10.3390/metabo16020135

Toxics. 2026 Jan 26;14(2):116. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020116.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in daily life and industrial production. Due to their widespread use, these compounds are frequently detected in environmental samples. Many studies have shown that PFAS pose a significant threat to both ecological environments and human health, leading to widespread public concern. This study developed and optimized an analytical method for the detection of 32 common PFAS compounds in chemical additives and environmental samples, including oil displacement agents, groundwater and soil, utilizing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) technology. Applications in an eastern Chinese oilfield revealed significant PFAS accumulation, with ∑PFAS concentrations in groundwater and soil at the well site ranging from 212.29 to 262.80 ng/L and from 23.70 to 71.65 ng/g, respectively, exceeding background levels by 10-fold. The oil displacement agents used in oilfields are one of the important sources of PFAS, particularly p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), a perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) substitute. Soil analysis indicated greater mobility of short-chain PFAS, while long-chain compounds adsorbed more readily to surface layers. Molecular docking and quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modeling suggest that the bioaccumulation potential of OBS is high and comparable to that of PFOS. Zebrafish embryo assays demonstrated that OBS induced significant concentration-dependent cardiac developmental toxicity, including pericardial edema and apoptosis, showing 1.5-2.4 times greater toxicity than PFOS across multiple endpoints. These findings reveal OBS as a pervasive contaminant with elevated environmental and health risks, necessitating urgent re-evaluation of its use as a PFOS substitute.

PMID:41745790 | PMC:PMC12944529 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020116

Toxics. 2026 Feb 2;14(2):148. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020148.

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the presence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the surface waters of the Itupararanga Reservoir and the Sorocaba River, Brazil. Samples collected during the dry and rainy seasons were analyzed to determine their composition, spatial distribution, and seasonal variability. Results indicate the ubiquitous presence of PFAS, with significantly higher concentrations in the dry season, suggesting point sources of contamination, such as industrial and domestic discharges. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were the predominant compounds, while 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate (6-2FTS) stood out for its abundance in areas with industrial activity. For PBDEs, marked seasonal variability was observed, with higher concentrations during the rainy season, suggesting the mobilization of these compounds by surface runoff. BDE-209 was the most abundant congener, representing over 58% of the total concentration of PBDEs detected. Concentrations of PFAS and PBDEs in the study area are comparable to those reported globally, although there are differences associated with industrial practices and local environmental dynamics. The increased presence of short-chain PFAS and Deca-BDEs highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and the implementation of regulatory measures to mitigate contamination in water sources used for human consumption.

PMID:41745822 | PMC:PMC12945003 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020148

Toxics. 2026 Feb 3;14(2):152. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020152.

ABSTRACT

The ubiquity and environmental persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have raised significant concerns about their detrimental effects on human health. Collective scientific efforts are increasingly focused on elucidating PFAS toxicity mechanisms and identifying potential low-impact PFAS structures that retain the exceptional properties of this chemical class. To advance the use of in silico methods in PFAS toxicity assessment, we developed a robust modelling framework for predicting PFAS acute oral toxicity class (high or low) in rats, leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the in-house Isalos Analytics Platform. The automated machine learning (autoML) functionality was employed to optimise four ML models-k-nearest neighbours (kNN), Random Forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and fully connected neural network (NN)-using Mold2 molecular descriptors, and to identify the top-performing model through five-fold cross-validation. The selected kNN model (k = 3) was used for predictions on the held-out testing set, achieving an accuracy of 81.5%, while a Shapley values analysis provided valuable insights into the factors influencing toxicity predictions. Furthermore, the nearest-neighbour-based methodology enabled a read-across structural analysis of PFAS similarity groups consisting of each testing set instance and its three closest neighbours in the training set. This analysis revealed a consistent association between polyaromatic and heterocyclic structural features and high acute oral toxicity. The developed, thoroughly validated read-across model is freely accessible through the INSIGHT RatTox web application as well as the INSIGHT Cheminformatics Platform in Enalos Cloud, supporting high-throughput screening of PFAS compounds and investigation of structural similarities with their nearest neighbours for enriched structural interpretation.

PMID:41745826 | PMC:PMC12944375 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020152

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 24;297:124118. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124118. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human exposure to the fluorosurfactant perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) is associated with toxic health outcomes in part arising compromised immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to adverse physiological outputs have remained elusive. Here, the interactions between PFDA and the milk protein β-lactoglobulin (BLG) was extensively investigated. Our results reveal that PFDA perturbs protein structure in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, by binding to BLG (Kd ≈ 3.2 μM; ΔG = -7.5 kcal/mol) PFDA compromises the ability of the protein to recruit and bind to retinol (Vitamin A), which is otherwise transported by lipocalin. This feature was experimentally verified by measuring the kinetics of retinol binding to BLG which was attenuated in the presence of PFDA. Docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations expose several intermolecular interactions between the protein-side chain and both the fluoroalkyl tail and polar head group of PFDA providing an understanding of the mechanism(s) by which PFDA competes with retinol binding and also interferes with protein structure. These interactions include salt-bridge formation between the -COO^- headgroup of the PFDA molecule with Lys60 and Lys69. To investigate the effects of PFDA exposure in more complex biological systems, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was exposed to fluoro-alkanoic acid. This exposure resulted in the ablation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and impaired locomotion. The findings provide important insight into the mechanisms by which this PFAS impacts protein structure and function, exerts toxicity in humans, develops a mechanism to expose upstream targets, informs intervention and assists in the development of risk mitigation.

PMID:41748002 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124118

Toxics. 2026 Jan 28;14(2):123. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020123.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are global pollutants, yet data from tropical freshwater ecosystems remain scarce. This study provides the first assessment of PFAS occurrence in the Rusizi delta (Burundi), from tributaries to Lake Tanganyika, by analyzing water, sediment, macrophytes, and fish, and by evaluating human health risks from fish consumption. In water, only PFOA (<0.60-7.80 ng/L) was detected and showed a uniform spatial distribution. Sediment concentrations were largely below quantification limits, likely reflecting unfavorable sorption conditions. Macrophytes were dominated by short-chain PFAS, particularly PFBS, without consistent species- or site-specific patterns, supporting their potential as biomonitors of cumulative PFAS exposure. Fish exhibited the highest PFAS diversity, with more diverse profiles in liver than muscle, although tissue-specific patterns were often absent. PFBS was dominant across fish species, and emerging PFAS (e.g., PFBS and NaDONA) were frequently detected. Human health risks from fish consumption were, except for children, mostly below EFSA tolerable weekly intake values for regulated PFAS, but potential concern for adolescents and adults emerged when PFAS were expressed as PFOA equivalents. This study provides essential baseline data for tropical freshwater systems and highlights the need for expanded PFAS monitoring and risk assessment in data-poor regions.

PMID:41745797 | PMC:PMC12945145 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020123

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 24:127844. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127844. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41741252 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127844

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 24;312:119941. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119941. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been reported to possess endocrine-disrupting and tumor-promoting activity. However, the association between PFAS exposure and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains poorly understood. This case-control study investigated whether PFAS exposure is associated with PTC risk, and if so, whether this association is mediated through thyroid hormone disruption and linked to specific clinicopathological and genetic features of the tumor. We recruited 60 PTC patients and 60 healthy controls from Shanghai, China. Serum levels of PFAS and thyroid hormones were measured. Multiple linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to analyze associations between PFAS mixtures and individual congeners with PTC risk and thyroid function. A chronic reference dose (CRfD) for PFOS was derived from animal studies using benchmark dose modeling. PTC patients had significantly elevated serum levels of several PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and 8:2 chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (8:2Cl-PFESA), compared to controls. WQS regression indicated a significant positive association between PFAS mixture exposure and PTC risk (OR = 2.01, p = 0.023), with 8:2CI-PFESA, PFDoDA, PFBS, and PFOS identified as the primary contributors. Furthermore, specific PFAS congeners were associated with more aggressive tumor features, including advanced TNM stage and with high-risk genetic alterations such as TERT mutation, and RAS&TERT promoter co-mutations. In terms of hormonal effects, Furthermore, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and 8:2Cl-PFESA showed significant negative dose-response relationships with FT3 levels in patients, suggesting a potential link between PFAS-induced thyroid disruption and carcinogenesis. The derived oral CRfD for PFOS, based on triiodothyronine reduction, was 40 ng/kg·bw/day. Our findings indicate that PFAS exposure is associated with an increased risk of PTC, potentially through mechanisms involving thyroid hormone disruption and the promotion of more aggressive tumor characteristics. These results underscore the need for stricter regulation of industrial PFAS emissions and enhanced thyroid function monitoring in high-risk populations.

PMID:41740556 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119941

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 23;297:124091. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124091. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly recognized as environmentally relevant compounds because of their extensive occurrence, limited degradability, bioaccumulation potential, and possible impacts on human health. The increasing use of short-chain and emerging PFAS alternatives further highlights the demand for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection methods applicable for environmental monitoring. Herein, a label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensor based on a fluorinated thiol self-assembled monolayer formed on electrodeposited gold nanoparticles supported on a glassy carbon electrode (fluorinated SAM/AuNPs/GCE) is reported. The sensor design integrates nanostructured AuNPs with fluorinated interfacial chemistry to improve sensitivity and preferential response toward fluorine-containing analytes. The AuNPs layer facilitates an enlarged electroactive surface area and amplifies interfacial impedance responses, while the fluorinated SAM can promote PFAS adsorption via fluorophilic interactions. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), one of the most regulated and environmentally relevant PFAS, was employed as the primary target analyte, and the sensing principle relied on adsorption-induced modulation of charge-transfer resistance measured by EIS. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor demonstrated a linear response toward PFOS in the concentration range of 0.01-600 ng L^-1 with a low limit of detection of 0.005 ng L^-1. The sensor revealed reproducibility, long-term stability, and the highest response to PFOS under the tested experimental conditions, with distinguishable responses across the examined PFAS panel. In addition, the adsorption-driven and label-free sensing mechanism eliminates the need for complicated recognition elements and minimizes sample preparation for aqueous samples. Recoveries were obtained in tap, river, and fish samples, confirming platform viability for rapid PFAS monitoring.

PMID:41740702 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124091

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c15140. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Climate warming and chemical pollution shape aquatic ecosystems, yet the physiological mechanisms underlying their combined effects remain unclear. We investigated how projected increases in mean summer surface water temperature alter per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) toxicokinetics and their effects on the physiological performance of sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus). Adult fish were chronically exposed to an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture (perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) + perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)) under current and projected mean-temperature scenarios. Tissue PFAS concentrations, whole-organism metabolic rates, swimming performance, reproductive output, and somatic indices were assessed. Temperature modified PFAS tissue concentrations in a compound- and tissue-specific manner, notably promoting PFOA redistribution to eggs. Metabolic responses were temperature-dependent: at 26 °C, higher tissue PFAS concentrations were associated with elevated standard and maximum metabolic rates (SMR and MMR), maintaining aerobic scope (AS). At 28.5 °C, SMR remained stable while MMR and AS declined with rising PFAS, indicating less oxygen for energetically demanding activities. Despite unchanged performance outcomes for swimming and reproduction, increase in hepatosomatic index with increasing tissue PFAS concentrations and altered PFAS distribution suggests detoxification costs. These findings indicate that increases in mean water temperature are likely to exacerbate contaminant stress, with consequences for coastal fish population resilience and offspring development. PFAS risk assessment should consider costressors under projected warming.

PMID:41739650 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c15140

J Environ Manage. 2026 Feb 24;402:129033. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To investigate the remediation potential of wetland plants under varying hydrological conditions, this study evaluated five emergent macrophyte species to accumulate PFAS under simulated water-level variations. All species effectively accumulated PFAS, with Cyperus alternifolius showing the highest total mass retention.PFAS were predominantly stored in shoot tissues (47%-970% higher than in roots) under two water level conditions. Total PFAS accumulation per plant did not differ significantly between two water levels, high water conditions promoted root morphological plasticity (e.g., aerenchyma increased by 21%-340% across all species). Water-level rise increased overall root PFAS concentrations by an average of 2-fold without altering compound-specific preferences but inhibiting upward translocation (TF decreased by 38%-73%). These adaptive responses support a context-dependent remediation strategy: harvesting shoots at low water removes up to 68%-89% of accumulated ∑PFAS mass, while high water levels facilitate root sequestration of 25%-53% of ∑PFAS mass. Uptake was strongly influenced by PFAS molecular structure: root accumulation correlated positively with hydrophobicity (e.g., LogD_mw, Spearman's ρ = 0.34-0.72, p < 0.05), and PFOS showed the highest root bioconcentration (BCF_root = 120), likely due to strong adsorption. Short-chain compounds exhibited greater mobility and shoot accumulation (BCF_shoot up to 240). Ether-linked compounds such as GenX showed elevated shoot transfer capacity (TF values 1-4-fold those of carboxylate analogues). These findings provide a mechanistic basis for selecting species in nature-based PFAS remediation strategies within dynamic riparian ecosystems.

PMID:41740503 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129033

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 24;312:119941. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119941. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been reported to possess endocrine-disrupting and tumor-promoting activity. However, the association between PFAS exposure and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains poorly understood. This case-control study investigated whether PFAS exposure is associated with PTC risk, and if so, whether this association is mediated through thyroid hormone disruption and linked to specific clinicopathological and genetic features of the tumor. We recruited 60 PTC patients and 60 healthy controls from Shanghai, China. Serum levels of PFAS and thyroid hormones were measured. Multiple linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to analyze associations between PFAS mixtures and individual congeners with PTC risk and thyroid function. A chronic reference dose (CRfD) for PFOS was derived from animal studies using benchmark dose modeling. PTC patients had significantly elevated serum levels of several PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and 8:2 chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (8:2Cl-PFESA), compared to controls. WQS regression indicated a significant positive association between PFAS mixture exposure and PTC risk (OR = 2.01, p = 0.023), with 8:2CI-PFESA, PFDoDA, PFBS, and PFOS identified as the primary contributors. Furthermore, specific PFAS congeners were associated with more aggressive tumor features, including advanced TNM stage and with high-risk genetic alterations such as TERT mutation, and RAS&TERT promoter co-mutations. In terms of hormonal effects, Furthermore, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and 8:2Cl-PFESA showed significant negative dose-response relationships with FT3 levels in patients, suggesting a potential link between PFAS-induced thyroid disruption and carcinogenesis. The derived oral CRfD for PFOS, based on triiodothyronine reduction, was 40 ng/kg·bw/day. Our findings indicate that PFAS exposure is associated with an increased risk of PTC, potentially through mechanisms involving thyroid hormone disruption and the promotion of more aggressive tumor characteristics. These results underscore the need for stricter regulation of industrial PFAS emissions and enhanced thyroid function monitoring in high-risk populations.

PMID:41740556 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119941

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 24;312:119940. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119940. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Substitute for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), like hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA), are sparking growing environmental and health worries because of their persistence and capacity for bioaccumulation. Here, we employed an integrated multi-omics approach to systematically investigate HFPO-TA-induced hepatic lipid metabolic dysregulation in zebrafish. Exposed to a series of concentrations (0, 5, 50, 500 μg/L) of HFPO-TA induced hepatic lipid accumulation and significantly elevated serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Integrated transcriptomic and epigenome analyses revealed that HFPO-TA reprogrammed the hepatic epigenome by selectively activating lipid synthesis-associated enhancers while suppressing lipid oxidation pathways, predisposing to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Moreover, HFPO-TA preferentially remodeled chromatin accessibility and distal enhancers, driving lipogenic gene activation through nuclear receptors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Finally, functions of PPARα and FXR in HFPO‑TA‑induced lipid imbalance were validated by pharmacological modulators. Overall, our study delivers comprehensive evidence connecting PFOA alternatives to epigenetically driven hepatic steatosis, providing mechanistic understanding to support environmental risk evaluations of emerging perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds.

PMID:41740558 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119940

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c16405. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes are promising for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) degradation; however, strategies for enhancing degradation performance through rational regulation of the reaction medium remain insufficiently understood. In this study, systematic screening of nitrogen-containing compounds showed that discrete inorganic nitrogen species (e.g., ammonium and nitrate) failed to induce any measurable degradation or defluorination of PFOA. In contrast, nitrogen-containing compounds with lone-pair electrons (e.g., glycine and nitrilotriacetic acid) acted as effective promoters, enabling a maximum PFOA removal efficiency of 88.4% within 300 min. Using glycine as a representative additive, mechanistic investigations demonstrated that cooperative coordination among glycine, PFOA, and the Pt electrode surface promotes anodic direct electron transfer. In parallel, glycine-assisted electrochemical processes generate reactive oxidizing species, particularly reactive nitrogen species (e.g., ^•NO₃) and hydroxyl radicals (^•OH), which contribute to indirect oxidation pathways. These two processes act synergistically to govern the PFOA degradation. Fluorine mass balance analysis further revealed that stepwise defluorination via C_nF_2n+1^• and COF₂ formation dominated mineralization, accounting for 85.4-97.9% of fluorine release, whereas short-chain intermediates constituted only a minor route. Overall, this study elucidates the coupled roles of interfacial coordination regulation and reactive nitrogen chemistry in electrochemical PFAS degradation, providing mechanistic guidance for effective electrochemical treatment systems.

PMID:41733273 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c16405

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Feb 23;227:119438. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the distribution patterns and 10-year trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in black-tailed gull eggs collected from three islands along South Korea's western, southern, and eastern coasts. PFOS was listed under the Stockholm Convention in 2009, while PFOA and PFHxS were added more recently, providing a regulatory context for interpreting temporal trends in coastal PFAS contamination. Over the past decade, PFAS concentrations in eggs from Baengnyeongdo in the West Sea (350 ng/g dry weight [d.w.]) were consistently higher than those from Hongdo in the South Sea (225 ng/g d.w.) and Ulleungdo in the East Sea (164 ng/g d.w.). PFOS, PFUnDA, and PFTrDA accounted for more than 78% of the total PFAS burden across all sites. PFOS levels remained stable or increased despite its long-standing regulation, and no consistent declines were observed for PFOA or PFHxS following their recent regulatory inclusion. Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), such as PFUnDA and PFTrDA, also showed persistently high concentrations, regardless of region. These findings demonstrate that black-tailed gull eggs effectively reflect coastal PFAS contamination and that regulatory actions have not yet resulted in clear decreases in several key PFAS. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into PFAS exposure in South Korea's coastal environments and highlights the need for continued biomonitoring to support future regulatory and conservation efforts.

PMID:41734719 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119438

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 22;296:124082. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124082. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous synthetic chemicals widely detected in aquatic environments, and pose great threats to aquatic ecosystem due to their persistence, bioaccumulation property and ecotoxicity. Despite extensive studies on their environmental behaviors in aquatic systems, a systematic comparison of their fate between freshwater and marine systems remains lacking. This review offers one of the first systematic comparison about the occurrence and environmental fate of PFAS involving migration, transformation, bioaccumulation and ecological risks between freshwater and marine systems. Specifically, we thoroughly analyze how water-quality parameters (e.g., salinity, pH, dissolved organic matter, redox conditions, and suspended particulate matter) influence the distribution, transport and persistence of PFAS. This work reveals that the closure, long hydraulic residence times and strong sediment-water interactions of freshwater lakes promote the vertical accumulation and trophic magnification of PFAS within local food webs, whereas the open marine environment facilitates the dilution and long-distance transport of PFAS, leading to their long-term retention in top predators across broader spatial scales. Besides, freshwater lakes are more likely to accumulate short-chain and emerging PFAS, as they receive stronger watershed input and have diverse dissolved organic matter composition. In contrast, marine systems serve as long-term reservoir and long-distance transport channel for long-chain PFAS, due to their high salinity, strong dilution capacity, and complex ocean currents. The current ecological risk assessment system often neglects the heterogeneity of these systems, resulting in inaccurate assessment results. This review highlights the necessity of establishing system-specific management frameworks that distinguish different aquatic systems by targeted monitoring, process-based modeling and tailored policies to ensure accurate PFAS risk control.

PMID:41734877 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124082

Eco Environ Health. 2026 Feb 3;5(1):100219. doi: 10.1016/j.eehl.2026.100219. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic fluorine-containing organic compounds, pose a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and extensive toxicity. Non-targeted screening (NTS) is a key method for identifying and determining unknown PFAS, which is crucial to the understanding of their exposure pathway and health risks. Hence, this review focuses on NTS techniques for PFAS in the environment. Firstly, high-resolution mass spectrometry and ion mobility innovations enabling novel PFAS/isomer identification are evaluated. Afterwards, pretreatment optimization (e.g., solid-phase extraction and emerging adsorbents) is summarized by analyzing the advantages of each method and the challenges posed by the limited datasets, while also outlining their applicable scenarios. Analytical challenges from structural complexity (short-chain substitutes and ether-based fluorine-modulated polymers) and matrix effects are discussed. Lastly, practical implications for environmental health and the future development potential of NTS technologies for PFAS are presented. Overall, this review proposes a science-based framework for monitoring and regulatory prioritization, with the expectation of supporting PFAS management and mitigation.

PMID:41732554 | PMC:PMC12925151 | DOI:10.1016/j.eehl.2026.100219

ACS Omega. 2026 Feb 3;11(6):9876-9889. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c10619. eCollection 2026 Feb 17.

ABSTRACT

Plastic packaging raises environmental concerns due to the release of microplastics, which has led to increasing interest in paper as an alternative to plastic packaging. However, creating paper that is both recyclable and biodegradable (no microplastic formation over its lifecycle) and still providing the needed oxygen barrier has been a challenging task to achieve. Reported herein is the use of biodegradable poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) for paper coating, incorporating different nanoclays (laponite and montmorillonite) at various concentrations and assessing their barrier properties. Analysis of the gas, moisture, thermal, and mechanical properties of the samples showed enhanced performance, particularly for laponite-based samples. At a temperature of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity, the oxygen permeability coefficient (OP) of the best sample was 0.875 ± 0.02 cm³·mm/m²·day, 9-fold lower than that of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (11.68 ± 0.41 cm³·mm/m²·day) of 0.058 mm thickness. The coated paper is also repulpable and recyclable per the FBA protocol. Overall, this work offers an opportunity to develop alternative packaging materials with good oxygen barriers and mechanical properties without releasing microplastics or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment.

PMID:41726741 | PMC:PMC12917786 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c10619

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 22. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c00350. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Faced with chemical pollution that has exceeded the planetary boundaries, endeavors must be directed toward designing green alternatives to reduce the hazards of industrial chemicals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are critical industrial chemicals with superior functionalities but proven hazards. Trade-offs between functionalities and hazards constitute the challenge in PFAS green substitution, known as multiparameter optimization. The essential goal of multiparameter optimization is discerning chemicals for which enhancements in one property invariably lead to degradations of others. In statistical parlance, the chemicals constitute the Pareto optimal frontiers (POFs). Based on generative machine learning algorithms, this study developed a method named ParetoGen for propelling POFs of multiobjective optimization issues in green alternative designs. Results demonstrate the ParetoGen stably and significantly pushed the POFs of functionality-hazard trade-offs in the design of green alternatives to PFASs. Compared with existing PFAS alternatives, structures generated by the ParetoGen exhibit lower hazards and enhanced functionalities. By introducing the Pareto optimization theory into the molecular design of green alternatives, this study establishes a universal theoretical foundation and evaluation methodology for green chemical substitution. The findings reveal valuable insights into the chemical structural design of PFASs, and the developed method can be employed in general chemical structural design tasks.

PMID:41725169 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c00350

Environ Toxicol. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1002/tox.70058. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), is characterized by a long, fluorinated carbon chain which makes it ideal for oil- and water-repellent products but detrimental for the environment, where it persists and accumulates in organisms. PFOS has been detected in coastal ecosystems, but information on impacts to estuarine fish health and survival is lacking. In addition, potential rising temperatures due to climate change may alter organism physiology and bioavailability of chemical contaminants. This study examines the effects of PFOS on two species of fish found in Southeastern United States estuaries, the recreationally important red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and the standard toxicity test species sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), under two different temperatures (20°C and 30°C). The combined stress of PFOS exposure at the higher temperature yielded significantly greater chemical uptake and mortality in both species compared to PFOS at 20°C. The enhanced effect of temperature on PFOS mortality was greatest for C. variegatus. The combined stress of PFOS exposure and elevated temperature caused the greatest change in gene expression in C. variegatus relative to the individual stressors. Similarly, routine metabolic rates for S. ocellatus were significantly higher when exposed to the combined stress of PFOS exposure and elevated temperature. The results indicate that elevated temperature and PFOS act together to exacerbate toxicity in these estuarine fish. Sublethal responses to PFOS and temperature observed in this study could have long-term repercussions for fisheries. This study demonstrates the importance of expanding species used in ecological risk assessments and creating applicable results for wild species.

PMID:41725620 | DOI:10.1002/tox.70058

ACS Omega. 2026 Jan 29;11(6):10062-10072. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c11002. eCollection 2026 Feb 17.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the release potential and controlling mechanisms of representative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) of varying carbon-chain lengths from a commercial biosolid-derived compost using sequential leaching with water and saline solutions (10 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl₂). The compost contained >40% organic matter, PFAS concentrations up to 140 ng·g^-1, and precursor levels below 5 ng·g^-1. Eluate analyses revealed dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentrations up to 1400 mg·L^-1 and major ions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, P, and S) reaching 600 mg·L^-1, accompanied by PFAS concentrations up to 2600 ng·L^-1. PFAS desorption followed a biphasic patternrapid release within the first hour followed by a slower, sustained phase over 48 hwell described by a first-order two-compartment model with rate constants k ₁ = 1-7 h^-1 and k ₂ = 0.001-0.016 h^-1. Electrostatic interactions dominated the desorption process, as both Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ reduced the fraction of fast-release sites (F ₁), with Ca²⁺ showing a stronger suppression due to cation bridging and charge screening. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) were almost completely released within 1 h, whereas perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) exhibited prolonged desorption associated with interactions with solid organic matter and DOM. DOM-facilitated desorption was evident, as PFAS-DOM complexation enhanced release under certain ionic conditions. Overall, the results reveal the intricate coupling among compost matrix properties, PFAS molecular structure, and eluent chemistry governing PFAS mobility.

PMID:41726744 | PMC:PMC12917841 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c11002

ACS Omega. 2026 Feb 3;11(6):9876-9889. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c10619. eCollection 2026 Feb 17.

ABSTRACT

Plastic packaging raises environmental concerns due to the release of microplastics, which has led to increasing interest in paper as an alternative to plastic packaging. However, creating paper that is both recyclable and biodegradable (no microplastic formation over its lifecycle) and still providing the needed oxygen barrier has been a challenging task to achieve. Reported herein is the use of biodegradable poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) for paper coating, incorporating different nanoclays (laponite and montmorillonite) at various concentrations and assessing their barrier properties. Analysis of the gas, moisture, thermal, and mechanical properties of the samples showed enhanced performance, particularly for laponite-based samples. At a temperature of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity, the oxygen permeability coefficient (OP) of the best sample was 0.875 ± 0.02 cm³·mm/m²·day, 9-fold lower than that of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (11.68 ± 0.41 cm³·mm/m²·day) of 0.058 mm thickness. The coated paper is also repulpable and recyclable per the FBA protocol. Overall, this work offers an opportunity to develop alternative packaging materials with good oxygen barriers and mechanical properties without releasing microplastics or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment.

PMID:41726741 | PMC:PMC12917786 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c10619

bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Feb 10:2025.09.02.673760. doi: 10.1101/2025.09.02.673760.

ABSTRACT

The strong, polar-covalent nature of C-F bonds contributes to the forever nature of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances. PFAS are toxic to humans. Here, we have examined the ability of the small, globular, milk protein β-lactoglobulin to bind PFAS. The protein transports hydrophobic and amphiphilic compounds, including retinol and fatty acids, for vision and brain development; therefore, underscoring its interactions with PFAS is significant. The crystal structures of β-lactoglobulin complexed with PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) at 2.0 (Å), PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) at 2.5 (Å), and PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid) at 2.0 (Å) reveal high affinity of the compounds for the central calyx of β-lactoglobulin, which is the canonical retinol and fatty acid binding site. Analyses of the data indicate significant hydrophobic interactions stabilizing the binding of the PFAS hydrophobic "tails" within the calyx and interactions between Lys60 and Lys69 and PFAS polar head groups. Comparative structural analysis revealed the presence of an open conformation of the EF loop containing the Glu89 latch residue in the complexed structures vis-a-vis the apo-form. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed high stability of the PFAS binding and attainment of energy minima in all complexes. The average binding energy of PFDA in β-lactoglobulin calyx was -25 kcal/mol, which was higher than PFOS (-21 kcal/mol) and PFOA (-23 kcal/mol) due to increased van der Waals interactions of the longer hydrophobic chain of PFDA with β-lactoglobulin. This work advances a mechanism by which β-lactoglobulin can recruit PFAS and act as a transporter for the "forever" chemical, potentially mediating its neurotoxicity.

PMID:41726988 | PMC:PMC12919012 | DOI:10.1101/2025.09.02.673760

Env Sci Adv. 2026 Feb 16. doi: 10.1039/d5va00483g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals which have been detected in the blood of >99% people worldwide. Currently, certain PFAS are linked to elevated cholesterol levels in humans, but few studies have assessed changes in specific lipid species to assess mechanistic changes. In this study, 78 serum samples were attained from 49 participants exposed to elevated PFAS through drinking water and 29 occupationally exposed firefighters. PFAS serum concentrations were initially assessed, and drinking water exposure participants illustrated higher PFAS serum levels than both the firefighters and national median values from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants were then regrouped for lipidomic analyses using their summed serum concentration for 7 PFAS (Σ7 PFAS). Thirty-four participants in our study had Σ7 PFAS concentrations ≥20 ng mL^-1, a level that has been associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia, thyroid dysfunction and cancer according to the National Academies PFAS Exposure Guidance Report. Statistical analyses revealed that 24 lipids out of 387 detected in all participants were significantly higher in participants with Σ7 PFAS values ≥20 ng mL^-1. Triglycerides and phosphatidylethanolamines specifically represented 62.5% of these 24 lipids, suggesting alteration of cellular membrane structures and energy storage. A statistical assessment on the female-only samples from the drinking water cohort was also performed to reduce bias due to sex, age and occupational covariates and further validated these trends. This study therefore illustrates increased serum PFAS concentrations correlate with elevated lipid species and molecular pathway alterations in highly exposed individuals.

PMID:41727405 | PMC:PMC12921673 | DOI:10.1039/d5va00483g

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1039/d5em00930h. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Past work shows exposures to drinking water contaminants can differ among regions with varying sociodemographic composition, in part due to disparities in siting of pollution sources. Drinking water treatment by reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or activated carbon has been recommended by United States (US) regulatory agencies for community water systems (CWS) with elevated concentrations of emerging chemical toxicants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, barriers faced by CWS in implementing such technologies are not well understood. Here we used a national scale (n = 36 611 CWS) Kaplan-Meier "survival" analysis, as well as adjusted piecewise logistic regression models, to retrospectively examine characteristics of CWS that were "early adopters" of these treatment technologies between 2004-2022. Results showed the largest CWS serving >100 000 customers adopted the treatment technologies considered here 7-8 times faster than small and very small CWS serving <3300 customers from 2004-2022. Nationally and for a case study of CWS with elevated PFAS concentrations, the odds of CWS adopting the treatment technologies considered in this study between 2004-2022 were significantly lower (10-25%) for each 10% higher proportion of non-Hispanic Black residents. Results were generally consistent when focusing on CWS with prior MCL violations and in CWS across different US regions, system sizes, and source water types. The proportion of American Indian and Alaskan Native residents was also inversely associated with adoption of the treatment technologies for certain groups of CWS. These results suggest managerial and financial barriers to removal of high levels of emerging contaminants in drinking water may be most pronounced for some small CWS and those serving selected historically marginalized communities.

PMID:41729588 | PMC:PMC12928183 | DOI:10.1039/d5em00930h

Langmuir. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c04005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a subclass of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are widely used but pose significant environmental concerns due to their toxicity and bioaccumulation. Foam fractionation, utilizing the amphiphilic nature of PFAS, offers a promising remediation method by exploiting their migration to air-water interfaces. The effectiveness of this technique is highly dependent on the air-water interfacial properties and the adsorption capacity of PFAS at the interface. This study investigates the impact of electrolytes prevalent in PFAS-contaminated water on the air-water interfacial properties of PFAAs, focusing on surface tension and diffusion behavior. Our results show that electrolytes reduced surface tension for both long- and short-chain PFAAs, with divalent ions (Ca²⁺) exhibiting stronger effects than monovalent ions (Na⁺). Surface tension modeling using Gibbs and Extended Langmuir isotherms revealed enhanced adsorption and increased surface excess concentrations in the presence of electrolytes, while dynamic surface tension analysis highlighted the influence of electrolytes on molecular diffusion and adsorption kinetics at short time scales.

PMID:41730793 | DOI:10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c04005

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c13613. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human hair is a promising noninvasive biomonitoring matrix; however, its utility for retrospectively predicting exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is not well understood, especially regarding quantitative associations and temporal mapping between hair with internal and external exposure. In this panel study, 24 females in South China were followed over 2 years, during which 131 hair samples (segmented into 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12 cm sections), 131 serum samples, and 122 dust samples were collected. Thirty-one PFAS congeners were analyzed, and PFAS exposure profiles differed across matrices. Significant positive dose-response relationships were observed for long-chain perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) between hair and serum. Specifically, each unit increase in PFSAs concentrations in the three hair segments was associated with 74 (95% CI: 36.6-121.5), 14.9 (95% CI: 4.3-26.6), and 11.5% (95% CI: 3.1-20.6) higher average serum PFSAs concentrations corresponding to 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9 months prior to sampling, respectively. Proximal hair segments of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its alternative (6:2 Cl-PFESA) also showed significant associations, with respective increases of 28.7 and 11.7%. These findings confirm the complementarity of hair to serum and highlight its value for retrospectively characterizing serum concentrations of long-chain PFSAs.

PMID:41725516 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c13613

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c16338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The environmental fate and plant toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been assessed based on their presumed molecularly dispersed state. Here, we overturn this paradigm by reporting a widespread yet overlooked nanoscale phenomenon. Using a newly established suite of in situ atomic force microscope (AFM) techniques, we first visualized the dynamic formation of PFAS nanoclusters at the interface of naturally extracted dissolved organic matter (DOM). We further deciphered the underlying mechanism by probing intermolecular interactions, demonstrating that strong binding forces between PFAS molecules and specific DOM functional groups yield numerous small nanoclusters, whereas weaker interactions result in larger, sparser nanoclusters. This mechanism is quantified by a strong negative correlation (R = -0.983, P = 0.017) between nanocluster size and abundance across diverse PFAS structures (nonionic, anionic, cationic, zwitterionic). Crucially, plant exposure experiments demonstrate that this nanocluster formation universally mitigates PFAS phytotoxicity in rice seedlings. Compared to its molecularly dispersed state, the nanoclustered PFAS exhibit significantly reduced uptake, sequestered on root surfaces as a physical barrier. This work identifies the DOM-induced nanoclustering as a critical interface process that governs the bioaccessibility and risks of PFAS, thereby offering a transformative perspective for their environmental assessment and remediation.

PMID:41725496 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c16338

J Am Chem Soc. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5c23226. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Tetrafluoromethane (CF₄), among the most chemically inert per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), poses a formidable challenge for catalytic decomposition due to its exceptionally strong C-F bonds. Here, we report a strong atomic-scale local electric-field (LEF) engineering strategy that enables efficient CF₄ activation and decomposition. By incorporating Ga-Zn dual-atom into Al₂O₃ (Ga₁Zn₁/Al₂O₃), it generates a highly intensified and spatially confined electric field (∼3 × 10¹⁰ N/C). Spectroscopic characterizations reveal that this LEF amplifies the Lewis acidity of neighboring tricoordination Al (Al_III) sites, significantly strengthens CF₄ adsorption through interfacial polarization, and promotes C-F bond stretching and cleavage. As a result, the Ga₁Zn₁/Al₂O₃ catalyst delivers complete CF₄ conversion at an ultralow temperature of 540 °C, exhibiting an apparent turnover frequency 4.5 times higher and an apparent activation energy nearly half that of pristine Al₂O₃. The catalyst also demonstrates exceptional durability, maintaining 100% conversion for over 600 h under continuous operation, indicating robust structural and catalytic stability. This work establishes dual-atom-induced LEF engineering as a powerful strategy for activating ultrastable fluorocarbons and offers a promising pathway toward sustainable degradation of persistent perfluorinated pollutants.

PMID:41730798 | DOI:10.1021/jacs.5c23226

Open Life Sci. 2026 Jan 23;21(1):20251250. doi: 10.1515/biol-2025-1250. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely utilized perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in various industrial and household applications, known for its persistence in the environment. Due to the limited toxicity data for PFOA in edible vegetable plants, this study aimed to examine its phytotoxicity on growth and physiological processes of PFOA (0, 10, 50, 100 µM) exposure for 14 days in lettuce (Lactuca sativa), radish (Raphanus sativus), and carrot (Daucus carota). Growth rates of lettuce and radish were altered at 10-100 µM of PFOA, whereas no significant changes were observed in carrots, and a dose-dependent reduction in chlorophyll content was observed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lettuce and radish were elevated by at least 1.70-fold at 50 and 100 µM. PFOA was found to trigger an adaptive effect in seedlings, with a reduction of at least 30.58 % in reduced glutathione (GSH) content in lettuce and radish at 100 µM. However, no alterations in MDA or GSH levels were observed in carrot, suggesting the possibility that it may be resistant to the toxic effects of PFOA. Overall, our research suggests that PFOA exhibits toxic effects on edible plants, particularly lettuce and radish, affecting their growth, development, and physiological processes while inducing oxidative damage.

PMID:41726559 | PMC:PMC12917592 | DOI:10.1515/biol-2025-1250

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Feb 14;505:141480. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141480. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The biological mechanisms underlying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and adverse health outcomes remain poorly understood, particularly the cytotoxic effects arising from cellular- and molecular-level interactions. Although measures have been taken to phase out legacy emissions, concerns persist regarding the continued use of highly fluorinated alternatives and the widespread environmental persistence and human exposure that remain. In this critical review, we present a holistic view of how cellular- and molecular-level PFAS interactions give rise to cytotoxic effects, such as membrane perturbation, metabolic and mitochondrial stress, and dysregulated cellular signaling and transport, that culminate in cytotoxic outcomes, including cellular dysfunction, loss of viability, and organ-specific susceptibility. This framework highlights the interdependence between PFAS interactions with key biochemical targets, including transport proteins, plasma membranes, and nuclear receptors, and downstream molecular-initiating events. We further delineate the interactive pathways influencing PFAS toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, noting patterns related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl chain length, functional headgroups, and backbone features. Moreover, this review provides a systematic, integrative analysis of how structurally diverse PFAS engage molecular targets across human cell types, linking target interactions and cellular composition with physiological processes that shape PFAS organotropism and their differential cytotoxic outcomes. The findings of this review can support prioritization of toxicological research on PFAS with high toxicity potential, understanding their biological targets, resolving inconsistencies in reported cytotoxic effects, and establishing consensus on the adverse outcome pathways of unregulated PFAS compounds.

PMID:41724129 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141480

Toxicol Lett. 2026 Feb 19;417:111858. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2026.111858. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants of global concern that have been associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes, including diminished chemotherapy response. Previous studies in moderately chemosensitive ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3) have shown that the induction of chemoresistance from PFAS exposure is duration-dependent, with longer, more human-relevant exposure durations leading to worse outcomes. Mitochondrial content was also altered following chronic PFAS exposure, suggesting mitochondria as contributors to PFAS-induced chemoresistance. Here, chemotherapy response following chronic PFAS exposure in a chemoresistant human ovarian cancer cell line, OVCAR-8, was evaluated. Compared to OVCAR-3 cells, chemotherapy response was unaffected by chronic PFAS exposure in OVCAR-8 cells. As individuals gain awareness of sources of PFAS exposure, and associated harmful effects, actions can be taken to limit exposure using water filtration systems and/or safer alternatives to PFAS-containing consumer goods. Thus, we also explored the ability of PFAS-sensitive OVCAR-3 cells to recover from chronic exposure. Following 6 passages of chronic PFAS exposure, cells were "outgrown" in the absence of PFAS for 7 additional passages and proliferation, chemotherapy response, and mitochondria-related alterations were assessed. Compared to chronically-exposed cells, outgrown cells displayed heightened sensitivity to chemotherapy along with decreased superoxide production and mitochondrial content. Proliferation remained significantly elevated compared to controls, suggesting that not all PFAS-induced effects are abrogated by a recovery period. Together, these findings suggest that ovarian cancer cells differ in their PFAS sensitivities and that mitochondria-related alterations resulting from chronic PFAS exposure can be reversed following a "recovery period", potentially resensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy.

PMID:41722873 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxlet.2026.111858

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1002/jat.70121. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), a short-chain perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) and a common substitute for legacy PFAS, has been detected in human cord serum, raising concerns about its potential developmental toxicity. However, its effects on skeletal development remain inadequately characterized. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFBS (0.05, 0.2, and 0.8 ng/mL) until 8 days postfertilization (dpf). A dexamethasone (DEX, 10 μg/mL) group served as a positive control for osteotoxicity. Developmental endpoints were monitored, and bone mineralization was assessed via calcein staining. The expression of osteogenesis-related (alp, runx2, and bmp2b) and osteoclastogenesis-related (acp5, ctsk, and mmp9) genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR. PFBS exposure did not significantly affect survival or hatching rates but induced subtle morphological abnormalities, including tail curvature and pericardial edema in a small subset of larvae. A significant, dose-dependent decrease in heart rate was observed at 72 hpf. Calcein staining revealed that PFBS significantly reduced cranial bone mineralization area and vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) in a concentration-dependent manner. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that PFBS exposure downregulated key osteogenic markers (alp, runx2, and bmp2b) and upregulated osteoclastogenic markers (acp5, ctsk, and mmp9), suggesting a disruption of the bone remodeling balance. Environmental levels of PFBS can induce cardiotoxicity and disrupt bone mineralization in developing zebrafish larvae. The underlying mechanism may involve the inhibition of osteogenesis and promotion of osteoclastogenesis. These findings highlight the potential skeletal developmental risks associated with PFBS exposure.

PMID:41721489 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70121

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Feb 17;505:141539. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141539. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Diverse per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be effectively photodegraded over hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) under irradiation at 254 nm, but mechanistic understanding of interfacial activation and structural compatibility of PFAS remains insufficiently elucidated. Herein, four PFAS and three photocatalysts were selected to elucidate the key determinants influencing degradation of PFAS in UV/BN. From PFAS molecule insights, two perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acid (PFECA) exhibited worse photocatalytic degradation, compared to perfluorooctanoic acid, attributed to an interface steric hindrance of branched α-CF₃ moiety and substantial consumption equivalent of photogenerated hole to cleave terminal -COO^-. The transformation of intermediates and perfluoroalkyl radicals was more critical than the cleavage of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (FTS) for its defluorination. From material insights, interfacial binding of [PFAS-catalyst] complex was primary determinant governing PFECA degradation than photoelectric properties, comparing to UV/BiOCl. The enhanced nitrogen defects and >B-O sites on BN were observed during in-situ UV irradiation. In addition, ball milling approach was applied to amplify active sites, facilitating the interfacial binding and photodegradation of PFECA. Novel redox degradation pathways of C7 HFPO-TA and 6:2 FTS were proposed. This study highlighted the pivotal role of structural compatibility and proposed targeted modification strategies for BN to enhance photocatalytic degradation of diverse PFAS.

PMID:41722397 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141539

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Feb 17;505:141521. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141521. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants that pose significant risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. The Three Gorges Reservoir Area, a critical water source for approximately 400 million people, is severely affected by PFAS contamination. This study investigates the biological reductive defluorination of four typical PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA; perfluorohexanoic acid, PFHxA; Perfluoro (4-Methyl-2-Pentenoic Acid), PFMeUPA; and 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol, 6:2 FTOH) using microbial communities enriched from surface sediments, deep sediments, and deep soils in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. Differential analysis of PFAS degradation rates showed that surface sediments had the highest degradation efficiencies for three conventional PFAS: PFOA (37.85 %), PFHxA (34.58 %), and 6:2 FTOH (81.67 %), while deep sediments degrade the emerging PFMeUPA more rapidly (90.86 %). Cultivation with PFOA resulted in an increased relative abundance of Pseudomonadota (increased to 30.79 %±4.89 %), while PFHxA-based cultivation induced a marked enrichment of Thermodesulfobacteriota and Chloroflexota. Correspondingly, the abundance of dehalogenase-encoding genes (increased by 28.81 %-104.13 %) and decarboxylase-encoding genes (increased by 1.51 %-194.88 %) was found to be elevated across both PFOA and PFHxA treatment groups. Since PFAS degradation and F^- release did not reach the theoretical ratio, an analysis was conducted on the defluorinated products and possible degradation pathways were analyzed. It was found that microbial enzymes target the carboxyl groups of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCA) to produce a step-by-step decarboxylation processes, while unsaturated PFAS may undergo C-H cleavage to form unstable intermediates, leading to defluorination.

PMID:41722398 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141521

Environ Int. 2026 Feb 14;209:110147. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110147. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exposure to environmental chemicals can influence fetal growth, and these alterations are associated with adverse health outcomes across the lifespan. Personal care products (PCPs) are frequently used by women of reproductive age, including many chemicals known to adversely impact fetal development. Given the high number of chemicals in PCPs, a class-based approach of grouping these chemicals by common characteristic(s) (e.g., chemical structure, mode of action) may support future hazard identification evaluations.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a systematic evidence map (SEM) identifying and characterizing the scientific literature on gestational exposure to PCPs or their chemical constituents and fetal growth to support potential chemical class-based assessments.

METHODS: Following standardized systematic review methodology, three databases were searched for relevant human and experimental animal studies through June 2024. Study characteristics were extracted and summarized in interactive visualizations and text.

RESULTS: Of the four main chemical classes assessed, phthalates and phenols were most frequently studied (40% and 30% of studies, respectively), followed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and parabens. Few studies evaluated product use. Birthweight was the most frequently assessed outcome (approximately 99% of studies). Many human studies evaluated potential modifying factors of health (% of studies), such as infant sex (58%), race and ethnicity (7%), and socioeconomic status (1%).

DISCUSSION: Given the availability of well-studied "anchor" chemicals within related chemical groups, this SEM supports the feasibility of class-based approaches to evaluate the association between phthalates, PFAS, phenols, and parabens and fetal growth. Further research on PCPs and fetal growth should address areas of uncertainty, including data gaps on potential effect modifiers, such as socioeconomic status.

PMID:41722443 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110147

Toxicology. 2026 May;522:154428. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2026.154428. Epub 2026 Feb 19.

ABSTRACT

Chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs, F-53B) are widespread environmental pollutants that have been introduced as emerging alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate. They are suspected to have thyroid-disrupting effects, however, their impact on human thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using Cl-PFESAs at concentrations relevant to children's serum levels, in the present study we found that Cl-PFESA mixture significantly elevated thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) synthesis in human thyroid follicular epithelial cells (Nthy-ori 3-1)-contrasting with the hypothyroid effect reported in animal studies. We further demonstrated that mechanistically Cl-PFESAs activated transcription factor paired box gene 8 (PAX8) at environmentally relevant concentrations, upregulating thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and catalase while downregulating sodium iodide symporter. PAX8 knockdown completely abolished Cl-PFESA-induced upregulation of thyroid-specific transcription factors and TH hypersecretion, confirming that PAX8 plays a central role in mediating the TH-stimulating effect of Cl-PFESA. Furthermore, co-exposure with iodide exhibited a nonmonotonic effect: low-to-medium iodide levels (100-300 μg/L) enhanced Cl-PFESA-stimulated TH secretion, whereas high levels (≥600 μg/L) suppressed it. Taken together, this study revealed a novel, human thyrocyte-specific hyperthyroid effect of Cl-PFESA at children serum relevant concentrations and a PAX8-mediated molecular mechanism. Our findings provide crucial toxicological evidence for the human health risk that this class of emerging PFAS alternatives may pose and its potential complications by iodine intake status.

PMID:41722725 | DOI:10.1016/j.tox.2026.154428

Ophthalmologica. 2026 Feb 20:1-20. doi: 10.1159/000550950. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To develop recommendations on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing ocular endotamponades (OEs) in vitreoretinal surgery.

METHODS: We conducted an expert-led consensus using a modified Delphi methodology with panel consisting of fourteen vitreoretinal surgeons and five representatives of companies involved in OEs production and marketing. Based on a literature review and the latest updates on European Union's PFAS restriction proposal, the facilitator prepared a list of statements on PFAS-containing OEs currently used. Each statement was graded individually using a nine-point scale (from 1 "absolutely disagree" to 9 "absolutely agree") and the consensus was defined as a score between 7 and 9 from ≥80% of members.

RESULTS: After two rounds, and related discussion, the recommendations highlighted the crucial role of PFAS-containing OEs in surgical practice and the potential negative impact of their ban on patients' outcomes. There was a strong agreement on the need of perfluorocarbon liquids as intraoperative tool, although it was also pointed out that their use should be avoided if possible. Fluorinated gases were deemed essential with no agreement on the possibility to replace SF6 and/or C2F6 with C3F8 at different concentrations. Conversely, semifluorinated alkanes as rinsing solution as well as F6H8 were considered extraneous. No consensus was reached about the current role of heavy silicone oils. Finally, the use of air as alternative and environment-friendly OE was judged not supported by sufficient evidence but worth of further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS: The consensus panel developed recommendations aimed at promoting a more sustainable surgical practice.

PMID:41719213 | DOI:10.1159/000550950

Anal Chem. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c07352. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkanes (PFAs), a subclass of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), are persistent environmental contaminants of growing global concern. The combination of high carbon-fluorine (C-F) bond stability and the absence of ionizable groups makes the direct detection of PFAs highly challenging, typically requiring complex sample preparation. Herein, we report a novel online ambient mass spectrometry (MS) approach for the rapid and sensitive analysis of PFAs without any sample pretreatment. This approach utilizes a corona discharge source to generate reactive water radical anions/cations (H₂O^-•/H₂O^+•) in situ, which efficiently activate the inert C-F bond via a hydroxylation pathway, converting PFAs into readily detectable hydroxylated derivatives. The approach was demonstrated for perfluorooctane, perfluorohexane, and perfluoroheptane, achieving direct, real-time analysis, with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 0.28 to 0.30 ng/L. The reaction mechanism and products were characterized using high-resolution MS, tandem MS, isotope labeling, and theoretical calculations. This H₂O^-•/H₂O^+•-induced strategy provides an efficient and powerful tool for the sensitive screening of PFAs in environmental samples.

PMID:41719481 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c07352

Water Res. 2026 Feb 15;295:125575. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.125575. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Wastewater treatment plants are increasingly recognised as an important collector of diverse industrial discharges and for those chemicals that are not degraded in the treatment process, they become a potentially important source of contamination through release via the effluent and /or reuse of biosolids. For such chemicals, controlling and limiting release into the sewer is key to management, though knowledge of specific sources is unclear. This study aimed to profile industry wastewater sources of chemicals to sewer and identify characteristic industry markers. The largest industry wastewater dataset to date was generated, comprising 132 samples from 20 industrial sectors quantified for 117 analytes, including 88 emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals, pesticides and PFAS). Concentrations spanned orders of magnitude and revealed sector-specific profiles, such as elevated acesulfame in beverage wastewaters, PFHpS only in primary metal, and outstandingly high contaminants in landfill and waste facilities. To support contaminant-driven source identification, a Random Forest method was developed and single-analyte thresholds for individual industries were determined. Model performance reached 50 % accuracy, with errors attributed to underrepresented classes and pairs with overlapping chemical signatures. These findings highlighted needs for broader industry wastewater sampling beyond this proof of concept, with increasing temporal coverage and an expanded analytical panel to strengthen source identification and support practical applications in targeted pollution control.

PMID:41719649 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.125575

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb;311:119900. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119900. Epub 2026 Feb 19.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder, has been linked to environmental factors such as exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which may induce disruptions in ovarian function. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PFAS-PCOS interactions remain poorly understood.

METHODS: We performed absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion (ADME) profiling analysis of PFOA/PFOS using SwissADME. Target genes were retrieved from multiple databases and intersected with PCOS-associated genes from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified PCOS -related modules, and hub genes were selected via LASSO regression. Immune infiltration was evaluated using single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations validated interactions with SwissDock, PyMOL, and associated tools. Causal genetic relationships were assessed through Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses. The impacts of PFOA/PFOS on ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and hub gene expression were examined in vitro.

RESULTS: In silico ADME predictions using SwissADME indicated low gastrointestinal (GI) absorption for PFOA/PFOS, based on their physicochemical properties. Shared targets between PFOA/PFOS and PCOS were enriched in endocrine resistance and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Integration of computational toxicology and machine learning identified two hub genes, KCTD15 and FAM19A2. ssGSEA indicated altered immune profiles, with hub genes correlated to T-cell infiltration. MR analyses confirmed causal links between KCTD15/FAM19A2 and PCOS. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) showed stable binding of PFOA/PFOS to KCTD15/FAM19A2 proteins. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PFOA/PFOS exposure reduced GC viability and upregulated KCTD15/FAM19A2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies KCTD15/FAM19A2 as potential hub genes linked to PFOA/PFOS exposure in PCOS, providing preliminary evidence for a causal association. These findings may inform future research into targeted interventions within environmental reproductive toxicology.

PMID:41719982 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119900

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 18;396:127842. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127842. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hepatotoxicity induced by environmental pollutants can be regulated at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. However, few studies have investigated the changes in liver acetylomics caused by pollutant exposure. In the present study, we demonstrated that perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and its potential alternative, perfluoro-(3,5,7,9-tetraoxadecanoic) acid (PFO4DA), modified the liver acetylation profile in male mice exposed to 10 mg/kg/d PFOA or PFO4DA for 28 days. Relative to the control group, liver proteins in the exposed mice exhibited altered acetylation patterns, with 1508 and 498 differentially acetylated sites identified in the PFOA- and PFO4DA-exposed groups, respectively. These modifications were not confined to lipid metabolism, but also extended to the urea cycle and hyperammonemia. Furthermore, in vitro and in silico experiments revealed that mutation of CPS1-1168K to CPS1-1168R restored enzymatic activity under PFOA/PFO4DA exposure, while mutation to CPS1-1168Kac reduced the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding capacity, suggesting that CPS1-1168K may be a key acetylation site for PFOA and PFO4DA disruption of the urea cycle. Additionally, both chemicals exhibited the potential to compete with ATP for the ATP-binding site, which is essential for CPS1 activity. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying PFAS toxicity and support the establishment of an adverse outcome pathway framework.

PMID:41720236 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127842

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c14271. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) exhibits systemic toxicity, yet its renal impact and mechanism remains unclear. In 296 matched pairs, serum PFOS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and five other polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were significantly elevated and positively correlated with the risk of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In vivo, PFOS caused pathological alterations in mouse renal tissue with inflammatory changes, collagen fibrillar hyperplasia, and decreased renal function. PFOS resulted in damaged mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, enhanced M1-type macrophage polarization, inhibited M2-type macrophage polarization, and elevated Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ content and reduced ferroptosis-related mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) reversed these effects via restoring antioxidants, quenching lipid peroxidation, and shifting macrophages from M1 to M2 through down-regulating the LAT1 subunit cluster of differentiation 98 (CD98). In summary, PFOS may correlate positively with the risk of renal dysfunction in humans, and ferroptosis might form the self-amplifying mitochondrial-reactive oxygen species (ROS) hub that propels PFOS nephrotoxicity and can be pharmacologically unplugged to restore redox balance and quench M1-driven renal inflammation.

PMID:41716066 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c14271

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c13161. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Previous studies on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have indicated large amounts of unidentified organofluorine in municipal wastewater, raising concerns about their environmental impact. Here, a novel multisorbent solid phase extraction method was applied to municipal wastewater samples, followed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-based screening and a quantification workflow combining targeted analysis and combustion ion chromatography for fluorine mass balance analysis. Twenty-three highly fluorinated compounds (i.e., perfluoroalkyl acids and precursors) were identified and, apart from trifluoroacetic acid, quantified in the low- to sub-ppt range. In contrast, 30 low-fluorinated substances (i.e., active pharmaceutical ingredients, pesticides, and transformation products, including some previously unreported metabolites) were identified and quantified at concentrations up to 3 orders of magnitude higher. Despite their lower fluorine content (<30% by mass), these pharmaceuticals accounted for 28-42% of the extractable (organo)fluorine (EOF), with sitagliptin, bicalutamide, and celecoxib carboxylic acid being important drivers of the EOF. The inorganic fluoroanions hexafluorophosphate and tetrafluoroborate were coextracted and contributed 7-19% of the EOF. The multisorbent approach also captured polar cationic pharmaceuticals, substantially influencing the EOF composition. These findings highlight the complexity of fluorine mass balance in municipal wastewater and the need for advanced methods to uncover unidentified organofluorine.

PMID:41718538 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c13161

J Xenobiot. 2026 Jan 21;16(1):16. doi: 10.3390/jox16010016.

ABSTRACT

Background and hypothesis: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals that can accumulate in renal tissue and potentially disrupt kidney function. Most prospective studies on PFAS-renal associations have focused on middle-aged or older adults, leaving uncertainty about whether similar patterns exist in younger populations. Methods: We investigated decade-long trajectories of plasma concentrations of 11 PFAS and their longitudinal associations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among 529 Taiwanese adolescents and young adults (aged 12-30 years) enrolled in the prospective YOung TAiwanese Cohort (YOTA), with measurements obtained in 2006-2008 and 2017-2019. Results: Nearly all plasma PFAS declined significantly over the 10-year period. Despite these reductions, higher baseline levels and greater annualized increases (Δln-PFAS/Δt) in linear perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), linear and branched perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were consistently associated with larger eGFR gains over time (β = 0.33-0.40, q < 0.05). In complementary models using follow-up eGFR as the outcome, both baseline and cumulative PFAS changes (Δln-PFAS) remained positively associated with higher eGFR (β = 1.71-3.84, q < 0.05). Polynomial analyses further indicated mild non-linear exposure-response patterns for several PFAS, suggesting that renal effects may deviate from linearity across exposure ranges. The composite PFAS exposure index (mean of standardized ln-PFAS concentrations) was robustly associated with higher eGFR across sensitivity analyses excluding participants with chronic conditions. These associations were more pronounced among individuals with greater metabolic or physiological vulnerability. Conclusions: Higher PFAS exposure was associated with elevated eGFR in young adults, which may be consistent with early glomerular hyperfiltration or other renal hemodynamic alterations. These findings raise the hypothesis of early renal stress in early life and underscore the need for ongoing biomonitoring and longitudinal follow-up with additional kidney injury markers to clarify long-term renal consequences.

PMID:41718259 | PMC:PMC12922100 | DOI:10.3390/jox16010016

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c13984. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Persistent and mobile (PM) chemicals, including ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are continuously discharged into the water cycle, and many of them are poorly removed because of high polarity and recalcitrance. Their occurrence in groundwater, an important drinking water resource, remains underexplored. We investigated 180 PM chemicals in 82 groundwater samples across Saxony, Germany, using freeze-drying and supercritical fluid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (SFC-HRMS). 163 PM chemicals were determined, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, other industrial chemicals, and transformation products; concentrations of 72 compounds are reported in groundwater for the first time; 57 chemicals exhibited detection frequencies >50%. The median total PM chemical concentration was 23 μg L^-1, with pesticides (0.77 μg L^-1) and pharmaceuticals (0.69 μg L^-1) of similar totals and industrial chemicals being much higher (19 μg L^-1). Trifluoroacetic acid was the dominant single compound (median of 3.0 μg L^-1, n = 81). Median concentrations of single chemicals correlated with physicochemical properties (water solubility, lipophilicity, etc.). Site-specific factors (nitrate, dissolved organic carbon, depth) were also associated with PM chemical levels. Chemical co-occurrence revealed benzothiazole and N,N-dimethylformamide as indicators of higher overall PM chemical concentrations. Risk prioritization identified 33 priority chemicals, highlighting chloridazon-desphenyl and N-methylpiperidine as potential indicators of higher overall PM chemical risk. These findings clarify PM chemical behavior in groundwater and support refined monitoring strategies.

PMID:41717724 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c13984

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 18:127845. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127845. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic compounds that can be found in the environment worldwide and are also present in the food chain, especially in animal products. This study investigated the kinetics of uptake, distribution, and excretion of nine PFAS (PFBA, PFPA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFOS) in 16 male lambs. Plasma, liver and dorsal muscle samples were analyzed. PFHxS was the dominant compound in plasma (5,330 ± 200 μg/L) and dorsal muscle (347 ± 78 μg/kg), whereas PFOS was predominant in liver samples (1,817 ± 152 μg/kg). To compare toxicokinetic of uptake, distribution and depletion, biotransfer factors (BTF), transfer rates (TR) and apparent plasma elimination half-lives were estimated directly from the data. Generally, long-chain compounds such as PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA exhibited a stronger tendency to accumulate in animal tissue and were eliminated slower than short-chain compounds. Apparent plasma elimination half-lives ranged from 0.3 days (PFPA) to 57 days (PFOS). This study provides the first data on the toxicokinetic behavior of PFAS other than PFOA and PFOS in male lambs. Toxicokinetic parameters, such as apparent plasma elimination half-lives and BTFs will be useful for developing improved management recommendations.

PMID:41720239 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127845

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb;311:119900. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119900. Epub 2026 Feb 19.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder, has been linked to environmental factors such as exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which may induce disruptions in ovarian function. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PFAS-PCOS interactions remain poorly understood.

METHODS: We performed absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion (ADME) profiling analysis of PFOA/PFOS using SwissADME. Target genes were retrieved from multiple databases and intersected with PCOS-associated genes from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified PCOS -related modules, and hub genes were selected via LASSO regression. Immune infiltration was evaluated using single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations validated interactions with SwissDock, PyMOL, and associated tools. Causal genetic relationships were assessed through Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses. The impacts of PFOA/PFOS on ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and hub gene expression were examined in vitro.

RESULTS: In silico ADME predictions using SwissADME indicated low gastrointestinal (GI) absorption for PFOA/PFOS, based on their physicochemical properties. Shared targets between PFOA/PFOS and PCOS were enriched in endocrine resistance and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Integration of computational toxicology and machine learning identified two hub genes, KCTD15 and FAM19A2. ssGSEA indicated altered immune profiles, with hub genes correlated to T-cell infiltration. MR analyses confirmed causal links between KCTD15/FAM19A2 and PCOS. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) showed stable binding of PFOA/PFOS to KCTD15/FAM19A2 proteins. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PFOA/PFOS exposure reduced GC viability and upregulated KCTD15/FAM19A2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies KCTD15/FAM19A2 as potential hub genes linked to PFOA/PFOS exposure in PCOS, providing preliminary evidence for a causal association. These findings may inform future research into targeted interventions within environmental reproductive toxicology.

PMID:41719982 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119900

Front Pharmacol. 2026 Feb 3;17:1779345. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1779345. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including the legacy compound perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are persistent organic pollutants with long biological half-lives. Emerging evidence suggests a significant accumulation of PFAS/PFOS in the human lung, potentially contributing to inflammation and altered immune responses. However, the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling in PFAS/PFOS-induced pulmonary toxicity remains unclear.

METHODS: Primary human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were exposed to 15 µM binary PFAS mixture (PFOS + PFOA) or quaternary mixture (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, GenX) with or without the PPARγ antagonist (15 µM) and/or the PPARγ agonists rosiglitazone (10 µM) or pioglitazone (10 µM) for 24 h. BALB/c mice were orally administered PFOS (2 mg/kg/day) or vehicle control for 2 weeks.

RESULTS: In NHBE cells, PFAS exposure significantly increased IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. Treatment with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone reversed these cytokine increases, whereas co-treatment with the PPARγ antagonist elevated IL-6 and IL-8 levels compared to PFAS exposure alone in epithelial cells. PFOS exposure in mice caused a reduction in lung PPARγ protein levels, while PPARα expression remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that PFAS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines is mediated, at least in part, through PPARγ signaling, and that pharmacological activation of PPARγ signaling can attenuate PFAS-triggered pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in lung epithelial cells.

PMID:41710933 | PMC:PMC12910160 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2026.1779345

ACS ES T Water. 2026 Jan 28;6(2):873-883. doi: 10.1021/acsestwater.5c00960. eCollection 2026 Feb 13.

ABSTRACT

To remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water, this study focused on synthesizing a sawdust-based adsorbent through KMnO₄ oxidation and coating m-phenylenediamine (mPD) onto the sawdust's surface. The resulting sawdust/MnO₂/PmPD was able to remove >90% of nine target PFAS and >80% of GenX spiked at 10 ppb in deionized water. When added to river water samples, the capture of long-chain PFAS remained basically the same. This was in line with the observations that environmental factors, such as a change of pH between 4.0 and 11.0, the presence of natural organic matter in the range of 0 and 100 mg L^-1, and the presence of bicarbonate, nitrate, and chloride, each at 1 mM, did not affect the removal of long-chain PFAS significantly. The low-cost nature of this sorbent was further strengthened by its regenerability and reusability for at least five cycles. To improve the sorption performance, especially for short-chain PFAS, further modification of the sawdust/MnO₂/PmPD will need to be performed based on the revealed mechanisms underlying PFAS capture. Overall, at this stage, the sawdust/MnO₂/PmPD material is ready to be used for removing PFAS from surface water.

PMID:41710540 | PMC:PMC12910595 | DOI:10.1021/acsestwater.5c00960

Anal Chem. 2026 Feb 19. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances have gained increasing scientific and regulatory attention due to their capacity to bypass natural and artificial barriers and spread throughout the water cycle. However, knowledge of their environmental occurrence remains limited due to analytical challenges, particularly in detecting highly polar substances that are often overlooked in monitoring studies. This study aims to identify PMT substances that are worth monitoring in surface waters strongly influenced by wastewater treatment plant effluents. A suspect screening analysis (SSA) approach based on the use of LC-HRMS was integrated with a tiered prioritization strategy. Our workflow integrates multimodal SPE and LC approaches to improve PMT detection coverage across polarity gradients. A total of 305 substances were tentatively identified, and 103 of them were prioritized as PMT substances, encompassing industrial chemicals, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, pesticides, and transformation products. Notably, only 13% of PMT substances are currently included in the European Water Framework Directive legislation or the REACH list of substances of very high concern. Among them, 35 high-priority PMT substances were confirmed with analytical standards through mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in tandem with HRMS, providing reliable fragmentation data. Some of these substances such as the pharmaceutical celecoxib, the ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, or the industrial chemical 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) have been scarcely investigated in environmental monitoring efforts. The methodological framework presented in this study is readily adaptable to a wide range of environmental scenarios. The results obtained highlight the importance of integrating SSA as a complementary approach to conventional target analysis.

PMID:41711674 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907

Curr Environ Health Rep. 2026 Feb 19;13(1):7. doi: 10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is increasing evidence that several environmental exposures may pose a risk for depression, including maternal depression. We conducted a scoping review of epidemiological evidence regarding maternal exposure to environmental chemicals and perinatal depression.

RECENT FINDINGS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Dimensions, and Scopus, and summarized the findings from 27 articles that examined environmental chemical exposures and maternal depression. Studies of ambient air pollutants (N = 11) showed exposure to NO₂ and PM₁₀ to be most consistently associated with antenatal or postnatal depression. Studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates (n = 6), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, n = 6), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE, n = 3), organophosphate esters flame retardants (OPE, n = 2), and pesticides (n = 1), reported positive links with maternal depression, particularly from exposures to phthalates and PBDE. Studies of the individual and mixture of metals (n = 3) have reported mixed results. Maternal exposures to certain airborne pollutants, and chemicals from contaminated household products and food sources, are associated with maternal depression. If these findings are confirmed, reducing environmental risks may represent a promising strategy for the primary prevention of maternal depression.

PMID:41712116 | PMC:PMC12920714 | DOI:10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7

Curr Environ Health Rep. 2026 Feb 19;13(1):7. doi: 10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is increasing evidence that several environmental exposures may pose a risk for depression, including maternal depression. We conducted a scoping review of epidemiological evidence regarding maternal exposure to environmental chemicals and perinatal depression.

RECENT FINDINGS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Dimensions, and Scopus, and summarized the findings from 27 articles that examined environmental chemical exposures and maternal depression. Studies of ambient air pollutants (N = 11) showed exposure to NO₂ and PM₁₀ to be most consistently associated with antenatal or postnatal depression. Studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates (n = 6), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, n = 6), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE, n = 3), organophosphate esters flame retardants (OPE, n = 2), and pesticides (n = 1), reported positive links with maternal depression, particularly from exposures to phthalates and PBDE. Studies of the individual and mixture of metals (n = 3) have reported mixed results. Maternal exposures to certain airborne pollutants, and chemicals from contaminated household products and food sources, are associated with maternal depression. If these findings are confirmed, reducing environmental risks may represent a promising strategy for the primary prevention of maternal depression.

PMID:41712116 | PMC:PMC12920714 | DOI:10.1007/s40572-026-00529-7

Anal Chem. 2026 Feb 19. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances have gained increasing scientific and regulatory attention due to their capacity to bypass natural and artificial barriers and spread throughout the water cycle. However, knowledge of their environmental occurrence remains limited due to analytical challenges, particularly in detecting highly polar substances that are often overlooked in monitoring studies. This study aims to identify PMT substances that are worth monitoring in surface waters strongly influenced by wastewater treatment plant effluents. A suspect screening analysis (SSA) approach based on the use of LC-HRMS was integrated with a tiered prioritization strategy. Our workflow integrates multimodal SPE and LC approaches to improve PMT detection coverage across polarity gradients. A total of 305 substances were tentatively identified, and 103 of them were prioritized as PMT substances, encompassing industrial chemicals, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, pesticides, and transformation products. Notably, only 13% of PMT substances are currently included in the European Water Framework Directive legislation or the REACH list of substances of very high concern. Among them, 35 high-priority PMT substances were confirmed with analytical standards through mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in tandem with HRMS, providing reliable fragmentation data. Some of these substances such as the pharmaceutical celecoxib, the ultrashort-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, or the industrial chemical 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) have been scarcely investigated in environmental monitoring efforts. The methodological framework presented in this study is readily adaptable to a wide range of environmental scenarios. The results obtained highlight the importance of integrating SSA as a complementary approach to conventional target analysis.

PMID:41711674 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04907

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2026 Feb 19. doi: 10.1021/acsami.5c19689. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as ″forever chemicals″ due to their robust C-F bonds, remain persistent in aquatic environments and resist conventional remediation efforts. This review critically examines current treatment strategies, such as adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, reduction, and thermal degradation, highlighting their limitations in terms of energy efficiency, selectivity, and byproduct management. The discussion then focuses on MXenes, a class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides known for their high surface area and tunable surface terminations (-OH, -O, -F). Despite their promise, MXenes face challenges, such as aqueous instability and limited reusability. A systematic evaluation is provided on how surface functionalization, through amination, carboxylation, and surfactant modification, enhances PFAS adsorption, particularly for difficult-to-remove short-chain variants. Integration with covalent organic frameworks, metal-organic frameworks, and metal oxides boosts catalytic degradation under ambient conditions. Importantly, this review introduces two innovative strategies: (1) a MXene-microbial fuel cell hybrid that enables in situ regeneration and bioelectrochemical degradation of PFAS and (2) a chemically staged MXene surface with spatially distinct domains that promote sequential PFBS fragmentation without external reagents. These approaches offer scalable, low-energy alternatives that address the critical shortcomings of conventional methods. By tackling persistent issues such as short-chain PFAS degradation, byproduct toxicity, and material recyclability, this review positions MXenes as a multifunctional platform integrating adsorption and catalysis. Our findings pave the way for scalable, next-generation MXene-based materials tailored for sustainable PFAS remediation.

PMID:41709708 | DOI:10.1021/acsami.5c19689

Food Chem. 2026 Feb 17;508(Pt B):148395. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148395. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Since food is a major route of exposure to chemical contaminants, this study aimed to develop and apply an innovative method to improve assessment of consumer exposure. Initially, a comprehensive targeted screening method was established for the simultaneous analysis of a wide range of residues (pesticides, veterinary drugs, and industrial chemicals) and contaminants (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), mycotoxins, and alkaloids) in food matrices. The method was validated for 858 chemicals spiked at 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg.kg^-1, following EU guidelines for pesticide residue analysis. Targeted screening of 872 (including 14 additional PFAS) chemicals revealed that 63% of the samples contained at least one contaminant, with 31 substances unequivocally identified. Finally, a supplementary suspect screening approach was used to compare MS/MS spectra, enabling the identification of 6 chemicals at level 1 and 109 chemicals at level 2a. These results demonstrate the robustness and value of a single first-line screening strategy across diverse complex food matrices, replacing at least five matrix-dependent targeted methods.

PMID:41713345 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148395

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 17;396:127846. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127846. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) form a large chemical group, but routine monitoring targets only a few well-known compounds such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). To better understand the widespread occurrence of PFAS in Dutch surface waters, we performed target analysis using an expanded list of compounds, combined with extensive suspect and de novo non-target screening (SNTS) to explore unreported PFAS beyond the scope of conventional monitoring. Analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-trapped ion-mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-timsTOF-MS). Target analysis focused on 24 previously underreported sulfonamide-based PFASs, enabled by newly available analytical standards and 34 common PFASs, representing 58 compounds. Several N-alkyl perfluoroalkane sulfonamidoacetic acids, including MeFBSAA (up to 50 ng/L), were found. SPr-FHxSA (N-sulfo propyl perfluorohexane sulfonamide), associated with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), was detected in five samples (0.14-1.99 ng/L). In total, 38 PFAS were identified by target analysis. Collision cross-section (CCS) values of analytical standards were measured prior to SNTS. In SNTS, nineteen compounds, mainly fluorinated pharmaceuticals and pesticides, were identified at confidence level 2a using the MassBank library. Another 22 candidates were tentatively classified at levels 2b or 3, including an unsaturated PFOS analogue and a fluazinam transformation product, highlighting the ability of de novo SNTS to uncover unexpected PFAS. Finally, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonyl propanoamido-dimethylethyl sulfonate (6:2 FtSO₂AoS) was confirmed at level 1a. Overall, integrating new PFAS standards with SNTS provided a far more complete view of PFAS presence in Dutch waters than target monitoring.

PMID:41713766 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127846

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 19. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c14344. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances with phosphorus headgroups (P-PFAS) are emerging alternatives to legacy perfluoroalkyl substances, and research on their environmental fate is urgently needed. We measured P-PFAS concentrations in liver and other tissues (i.e., heart, intestine, spleen, kidney, pancreas, stomach, lung, muscle, skin, and blubber) from finless porpoises and whales stranded along the East China Sea coast during 2009 and 2019. The median hepatic concentrations of major P-PFAS, including perfluorohexanephosphonate, perfluorooctanephosphonate, perfluorodecylphosphonate (PFDPA), 6:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate monoester (6:2 monoPAP), 8:2 monoPAP, and 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (8:2 diPAP), were 2.48, 4.32, 2.72, 1.74, 1.66, and 1.41 ng/g wet weight (ww), respectively. The median hepatic ΣP-PFAS concentrations significantly increased from 15.3 ng/g ww (2009-2010) to 17.7 ng/g ww (2018-2019) (p < 0.01), with PFDPA as the primary contributor (1.21 vs 4.23 ng/g ww, p < 0.01). Analysis of tissue distribution revealed that perfluorophosphonates (PFPAs) preferentially accumulated in liver, exhibiting a pattern similar to but more pronounced than that of legacy PFAS with equivalent chain lengths. Comparison between finless porpoises and minke whales indicated lower PFPA accumulation in the latter, potentially due to reduced metabolic efficiency. This study highlights the increasing temporal trend and high accumulation potential of PFPAs.

PMID:41714139 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c14344

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 15;395:127809. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127809. Epub 2026 Feb 18.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41714237 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127809

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2026 Feb 17;712:140139. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2026.140139. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Persistent perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) contamination urgently requires efficient adsorbents enabling rapid recovery. Guided by density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we engineered a dual-driven magnetic nano adsorbent (MNA) integrating electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions for targeted capture of ultra-short-chain (trifluoroacetic acid, TFA), medium-chain PFCAs (perfluoroheptanoic acid, PFHpA), and long-chain (perfluorononanoic acid, PFNA) PFCAs. Adsorption simulations across five MNA models demonstrated that synergistic effects between p-aminobenzoic acid (p-AMBA)-bridged amino/carboxyl sites and C18 chains enhanced material dispersibility and adsorption energy. Experimentally, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ cores underwent silanization with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)/octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODS) followed by p-AMBA functionalization, yielding a mesoporous core-shell structure while maintaining high magnetization (22.63 emu/g). At ppm concentrations, pseudo-second-order kinetics governed adsorption, achieving equilibrium capacities of 83.37 mg/g (TFA), 149.43 mg/g (PFHpA), and 160.55 mg/g (PFNA) within 20-50 min. Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm analysis confirmed physical adsorption dominance (E < 8 kJ/mol). Competitive adsorption experiments revealed that long-chain PFAS promoted TFA uptake by 165.47%. After five regeneration cycles, residual capacities at 10 ppm were 27.46 mg/g (PFNA), 72.61 mg/g (PFHpA), and 126.12 mg/g (TFA), with reuse efficiencies of 46.57%, 68.48%, and 87.91%, respectively. Notably, the adsorbent exhibited effective removal (up to 90% efficiency, 6.50 mg/g capacity) for trace-level (ppb) PFAS. This simulation-guided design strategy successfully developed a high-capacity, fast-kinetic, and recyclable adsorbent for selective PFCA elimination from wastewater.

PMID:41713242 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2026.140139

Eco Environ Health. 2026 Jan 19;5(1):100216. doi: 10.1016/j.eehl.2026.100216. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) frequently co-occur in agricultural soils. MP type-dependent interactions with soil and plants can modify PFASs environmental behavior, complicating assessments of PFAS-related ecological and human exposure risks. This study investigated the effects of three MPs, namely polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), and tire wear particles (TWP), on the uptake of 10 PFASs by pak choi (Brassica chinensis L). PVC at 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.5% significantly (p < 0.05) increased PFASs accumulation in shoots by 1.31-1.70 fold. The upregulation of aquaporin-related genes in pak choi co-exposed to PVC and PFASs represents a potential mechanism for the enhanced uptake and translocation of PFASs. In contrast, PLA did not affect PFASs accumulation but inhibited plant growth by downregulating lipid and amino acid metabolism. TWP at 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.5% significantly (p < 0.05) decreased PFASs uptake in shoots by 37.4%-54.1%, primarily through its inhibitory effects on plant growth (9.2%-16.3% decrease in biomass) and transpiration rate (reduced to 73% of the control). The phytotoxicity of TWP was confirmed by metabolomic profiling, which was associated with downregulation of key lipid, amino acid, and jasmonic acid-related metabolites. This work provides the first systematic comparison of the effects of PVC, PLA, and TWP on PFASs uptake in vegetables, integrating multi-omics analyses to uncover mechanisms and distinct MP type-dependent effects on PFASs bioaccumulation. These findings highlight complex interactions between MPs and PFASs in soil and underscore the need to assess co-contaminant risks by MP types.

PMID:41704626 | PMC:PMC12907065 | DOI:10.1016/j.eehl.2026.100216

Front Vet Sci. 2026 Feb 2;12:1734889. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1734889. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Humans and companion animals are continually exposed to mixtures of synthetic chemicals from household products, textiles, food, and personal care items. Epidemiological studies of emerging contaminants typically rely on invasive blood sampling, whereas saliva presents a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative matrix that reflects both local and systemic physiological changes. In this pilot study, paired dog saliva and blood serum were analysed for two chemical groups of concern, that is, synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to investigate whether saliva can be used for chemical exposome studies.

METHODS: Blood serum and saliva samples of a total of 30 dogs were included in this study. All dogs were privately owned, representing different breeds, and were presented to private veterinary clinics in the Murcia Region, Spain. Samples were analysed using acetonitrile for denaturation and extraction, and clean-up using enhanced matrix removal powder. The extracts were analysed using complementary liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometers. Dogs were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group): healthy normal-weight dogs, healthy obese dogs, and dogs diagnosed with mammary tumours.

RESULTS: Fourteen SPAs (including five metabolites) and eight PFAS were quantified in the dog's saliva and/or serum. Generally, the levels were higher in serum than in saliva. None of the dogs were free of contaminants. The SPA levels were dominated by the 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DBP), found in 93% of saliva and 100% of serum samples, ranging from <LOQ-860 ng/g in saliva and 130-2,100 ng/g in serum. The levels of PFAS were dominated by perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorosulfonic acid (PFOS), which were quantified in more than 70% of the samples. No correlation between levels and the three groups, or the paired serum and saliva samples could be established.

CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that SPAs and PFAS can be found in the saliva of dogs. The levels of PFAS in dog's serum were similar to those generally reported in human blood. Furthermore, this study confirms that dogs are exposed to SPAs at concerningly high levels, given the limited knowledge regarding their toxicity.

PMID:41705113 | PMC:PMC12908585 | DOI:10.3389/fvets.2025.1734889

Eco Environ Health. 2026 Jan 19;5(1):100216. doi: 10.1016/j.eehl.2026.100216. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) frequently co-occur in agricultural soils. MP type-dependent interactions with soil and plants can modify PFASs environmental behavior, complicating assessments of PFAS-related ecological and human exposure risks. This study investigated the effects of three MPs, namely polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), and tire wear particles (TWP), on the uptake of 10 PFASs by pak choi (Brassica chinensis L). PVC at 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.5% significantly (p < 0.05) increased PFASs accumulation in shoots by 1.31-1.70 fold. The upregulation of aquaporin-related genes in pak choi co-exposed to PVC and PFASs represents a potential mechanism for the enhanced uptake and translocation of PFASs. In contrast, PLA did not affect PFASs accumulation but inhibited plant growth by downregulating lipid and amino acid metabolism. TWP at 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.5% significantly (p < 0.05) decreased PFASs uptake in shoots by 37.4%-54.1%, primarily through its inhibitory effects on plant growth (9.2%-16.3% decrease in biomass) and transpiration rate (reduced to 73% of the control). The phytotoxicity of TWP was confirmed by metabolomic profiling, which was associated with downregulation of key lipid, amino acid, and jasmonic acid-related metabolites. This work provides the first systematic comparison of the effects of PVC, PLA, and TWP on PFASs uptake in vegetables, integrating multi-omics analyses to uncover mechanisms and distinct MP type-dependent effects on PFASs bioaccumulation. These findings highlight complex interactions between MPs and PFASs in soil and underscore the need to assess co-contaminant risks by MP types.

PMID:41704626 | PMC:PMC12907065 | DOI:10.1016/j.eehl.2026.100216

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 18. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c06490. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fetal development is a vulnerable period for exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, certified analytical standards do not exist for many PFAS, limiting our ability to quantify overall exposure burden to PFAS as a chemical class. PFAS-focused nontargeted analysis (NTA) enables detection of PFAS for which chemical standards may not exist. The overall objectives of this study were to provide a more comprehensive picture of PFAS exposure in cord blood, develop cumulative exposure burden scores for the PFAS detected, and evaluate differences in the infant's PFAS burden score with respect to mother's parity. We measured PFAS using targeted and NTA methods in cord blood samples collected between 2003 and 2006 in the HOME Study (Cincinnati, Ohio). Using NTA, we putatively identified 42 PFAS in cord blood, 4 of which were also detected in targeted analysis. We summarized an infant's overall prenatal exposure burden to PFAS using item response theory methods. We constructed two scores, one based on PFAS concentrations from targeted analysis ("PFAS exposure burden scores"), and one based on relative abundance from NTA ("PFAS-omics scores"). As expected, infants with multiparous mothers had significantly lower PFAS exposure burden scores than those with nulliparous mothers, but these disparities were not present when comparing their PFAS-omics scores. Our results show that infants are exposed to a wide range of PFAS, including perfluorinated chemicals, polyfluorinated chemicals, and fluorotelomers, before birth. Further, PFAS-focused NTA can help estimate total exposure to PFAS. Lastly, reported disparities in PFAS exposure burden across parity may depend on the panel of assessed PFAS and their half-lives.

PMID:41705714 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c06490

Nanoscale. 2026 Feb 18. doi: 10.1039/d5nr04376j. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) detection exploit engineered fluorophilic interfaces, conjugated polymers, molecular imprinting, and nanoscale transduction to deliver rapid, selective, and field-compatible sensors with ppt to ppq level sensitivity. This minireview discusses advances made over the last five years in five material classes-organic molecules and assemblies, polymers, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and metal-organic frameworks-highlighting how tailored recognition motifs and controlled assembly convert PFAS binding into optical, electrochemical, or resistive signals. Representative strategies discussed include interrupted energy transfer and amplifying fluorescent polymers for ratiometric and turn-off fluorescence sensing, molecularly imprinted and nanostructured electrodes for impedimetric and voltammetric quantification, single-particle collision electrochemistry and MXene-metal hybrids for ultralow electrochemical detection, printed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates for molecular fingerprinting, and 2D conductive MOFs for chemiresistive ppt-level responses. We evaluate analytical performance, selectivity trends across chain length and headgroup chemistry, matrix effects in real waters, and practical considerations for on-site deployment. The review concludes by identifying key challenges-stability, standardization, and multiplexed detection-and outlines promising directions toward translating ultratrace PFAS sensors into robust environmental monitoring tools.

PMID:41705787 | DOI:10.1039/d5nr04376j

J Environ Manage. 2026 Feb 17;401:129005. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antibiotics, microplastics (MPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are major emerging contaminants (ECs) that have posed significant risks to the aquatic ecosystem and human beings. Lately, enhanced constructed wetlands (CWs) have improved their ability to remove ECs. Aeration and tidal flow significantly increase dissolved oxygen (DO) and improve microbial activity in CWs. In addition, microbial fuel cell (MFC) and electrolysis systems are embedded into CWs, aiming to enhance their electrochemical characteristics for the removal of ECs. Furthermore, combining an advanced oxidation process with a CW increases not only ECs removal, but also ecological values. Advanced configuration and operation can create enhanced CWs systems that could provide alternative technical solutions for ECs control in water environment. However, there are still enormous issues (such as scaling up the small-scale investigation) to be solved before the developed techniques can be applied in engineering practice. Based on the updated literature, this review provides an overview of cutting-edge processes and fresh knowledge of CWs on ECs removal. We expect that the review can guide the research and development of CW towards assisting ECs solution.

PMID:41707412 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129005

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb;311:119902. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119902. Epub 2026 Feb 17.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants increasingly linked to human disease. Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), a widespread PFAS detected in human serum, has an uncharacterized role in gastric cancer (GC), one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Here, we employed an integrated multi-omics approach combining network toxicology, large-scale transcriptomic analyses from TCGA and GEO cohorts, single-cell RNA sequencing, and molecular simulations, followed by in vitro and in vivo validation at environmentally relevant concentrations. We identified 667 common targets of PFHxS and GC and developed an 11-gene gradient boosting machine (GBM) prognostic signature that robustly stratified patient survival across independent cohorts and correlated with distinct tumor immune microenvironments. Mechanistically, PFHxS was predicted and experimentally confirmed to directly bind Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), a key regulator of oxidative stress. Chronic low-dose PFHxS exposure downregulated KEAP1 protein expression, disrupted KEAP1/NRF2 antioxidant signaling, and promoted GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth in vivo. Together, these findings provide the first molecular evidence that PFHxS acts as an environmental driver of GC progression by targeting KEAP1, while also delivering a clinically relevant prognostic tool. This work highlights a previously unrecognized environmental risk factor for gastric cancer and offers new perspectives for risk assessment, prevention, and therapeutic intervention.

PMID:41707531 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119902

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 15;395:127828. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127828. Epub 2026 Feb 16.

ABSTRACT

The mobility of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) at the soil-water interface in paddy soils directly influences their availability to crops. However, the mechanisms by which rice residue decomposition affects PFAS diffusion under different hydrological conditions remain unclear. To address this, this study investigated PFAS diffusion across overlying water (OW), pore water (PW), soil solution, soil microbe-adsorbed fractions, and other soil compartments in drainage and waterlogged soils during rice residue decomposition. The results revealed that PW (β = 0.74) and OW (β = 0.97) served as crucial sinks for PFAS diffusion in drainage and waterlogged soils, respectively. Mass distribution analysis indicated that residue input reduced the content of perfluorocarboxylic acids by 5.33% in PW and 6.67% in OW. In contrast, perfluorinated sulfonic acids increased by 18.43% in PW but decreased by 12.49% in OW. At the molecular level, aggregated boosted tree modeling identified cacodylic acid (36.3%-38.2%) and deoxycorticosterone 21-glucoside (56.2%-59.3%) as key regulators of PFAS distribution in drainage and waterlogged soils, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into PFAS migration in paddy soils during residue decomposition and highlight the need to control PFASs under both drainage and waterlogged hydrological conditions.

PMID:41707867 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127828

Water Environ Res. 2026 Feb;98(2):e70299. doi: 10.1002/wer.70299.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) pose a significant threat to drinking water safety worldwide due to their extreme persistence, mobility, and documented adverse health effects. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that systematically examine the behavior and transformation of PFAS across the drinking water system-from source to tap-incorporating recent advancements in precursor transformation, pipeline dynamics, and data-driven management. Our analysis synthesizes global data, revealing that PFASs are consistently detected in both source and finished water at nanogram-per-liter concentrations. Whereas conventional treatment technologies show minimal removal efficacy, advanced treatment processes such as granular activated carbon, anion exchange resins, and membrane filtration are constrained by high costs and material limitations. The review further highlights four key advancements: (1) the widespread occurrence of unidentified organic fluorides; (2) transformation pathways of PFAA precursors during oxidative treatment leading to recalcitrant byproducts; (3) dynamic PFAS retention-release mechanisms within distribution pipelines; and (4) machine learning-enabled tools for predicting contamination and optimizing treatment. These insights collectively enhance the understanding of PFAS persistence and transformation across the drinking water system, providing a scientific basis for improved regulation and control strategies. Finally, we propose current research challenges and suggest priority directions for future studies aimed at ensuring long-term drinking water security.

PMID:41699903 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70299

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 17. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c17607. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The 185-nm ultraviolet (UV) direct photolysis of PFAS is unknown due to interference from radical-driven degradation and photon competition with coexisting aqueous species. This study established an N₂O-saturated condition to evaluate the kinetics and mechanisms of 185-nm UV direct photolysis and defluorination of three PFAS subclasses: perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs; C_nF_2n+1-COOH, n = 1-9), perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs). PFCAs and PFECAs underwent significant direct photolysis, whereas PFSAs remain resistant. First-order direct photolysis rate constants strongly correlated with molar absorption coefficients (68-3396 M^-1cm^-1), exhibiting enhanced kinetics for longer-chain PFCAs (n > 7), PFECAs (n > 6), and multiether PFECAs. 185-nm quantum yields ranged from 0.12 to 0.28 mol/Einstein, resulting in 30-84% defluorination. Products analysis identified neutral gaseous transformation products (e.g., C_nF_2n+1H and C_nF_2n+2), indicating dominant C-C cleavage for PFCAs and combined C-O and C-C cleavage for PFECAs. Kinetic modeling revealed that the contribution of direct photolysis to overall PFAS degradation in 185-nm water photolysis increased with decreasing pH, accounting for 87% at pH 7 and 10% at pH 11, respectively. This study discovered the existence and extent of direct PFAS photolysis at 185 nm and provided mechanistic insights for future UV PFAS water treatment.

PMID:41700078 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c17607

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 17. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c16490. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ferroptosis, an iron-driven form of programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, is essential for tissue homeostasis and tumor suppression, yet its regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under environmental pollutant exposure remains unclear. Here, using long-term in vitro and in vivo exposure models with environmentally relevant doses combined with multiomics analyses, we show that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exert antithetical effects in HCC and normal hepatocytes. Whereas PFAS promote ferroptosis in normal cells, chronic exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and its replacement 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) markedly enhances ferroptosis resistance in HCC. Mechanistically, these contaminants bind to and activate STAT3, which transcriptionally upregulates GPX4, establishing a STAT3-GPX4 self-activating loop that suppresses lipid peroxidation and protects tumor cells from ferroptotic death. Notably, 6:2 Cl-PFESA shows stronger activity than PFOS, challenging its designation as a safer substitute. Our findings reveal a striking cell type-specific duality of PFAS action─inducing ferroptosis in normal hepatocytes but enabling evasion in HCC through signaling reprogramming. This dichotomy advances understanding of pollutant-cancer interactions, highlights the STAT3-GPX4 axis as a therapeutic vulnerability, and underscores the health risks posed by PFAS replacements.

PMID:41700700 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c16490

Chemphyschem. 2026 Feb 12;27(3):e202500571. doi: 10.1002/cphc.202500571.

ABSTRACT

The spread of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in global waterways has become a subject of significant concern. Modeling the interaction of PFAS with the major constituents of natural and artificial waterways will advance our understanding of the spread of PFAS and aid in the development of adsorption and remediation methods. In this work, it considers the adsorption of linear perfluoroalkyl acids on two model clay hydrophobic surfaces: montmorillonite and kaolinite. This investigates the absorption affinities and preferential adsorption of acidic linear PFAS on model clay surfaces with varying fluorocarbon tail lengths. It also consideres the binding affinity when these PFAS are hydrated. Both carboxylic and sulfonic acid head groups are considered. The computed results indicate that there is an increased binding energy of the target PFAS on the clay surfaces with increasing chain length, and that perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids have greater binding energy than perfluorocarboxylic acids with the same tail length.

PMID:41700890 | DOI:10.1002/cphc.202500571

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb;311:119888. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119888. Epub 2026 Feb 16.

ABSTRACT

Anthropogenic activities, including industrialization and mining, have contributed to the widespread occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agroecosystems. Soil is a major sink for these emerging pollutants, affecting human health through contaminated crops and water. Conventional remediation of PFAS in soil is costly and inefficient due to strong sorption with mineral ions and soil colloids, while their amphiphilic nature also complicates the removal process. Plants uptake PFAS through transpiration stream, facilitated by anion channels, aquaporins, and carrier proteins. Existing studies have discussed PFAS translocation and bioaccumulation in agricultural plants and health risk, with a limited focus on PFAS sorption interaction in the rhizosphere, enzymatic degradation of PFAS, and alternative utilization of non-edible wild plants for phytoremediation and safe biomass disposal. Wild plants that tolerate high stress can hyperaccumulate PFAS, with post-harvest biomass pyrolysis to destruct PFAS and produce biochar. This review compiles existing information on partitioning and sorption mechanisms in soil and pore water, plant exposure to PFAS from different sources, uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, and screening of potential plants for phytoremediation. Future research should focus on a combination of sustainable remediation practices, screening wild accumulator species with extracellular enzymatic degradation efficiency, along with microbial consortium to enhance rhizosphere degradation of PFAS and shoot-biomass pyrolysis for PFAS degradation.

PMID:41702106 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119888

Environ Int. 2026 Feb;208:110148. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110148. Epub 2026 Feb 14.

ABSTRACT

The widespread environmental occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has led to regulatory restrictions on legacy compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), due to their documented toxicity. In response, hexafluoropropylene oxide trimeric acid (HFPO-TA) has emerged as a common substitute; however, its increasing usage has resulted in notable aquatic contamination. Although HFPO-TA has been associated with toxicological effects in aquatic species, its mechanistic impacts on commercially important fish remain inadequately characterized. To address this knowledge gap, we exposed hook snout carp (Opsariichthys bidens Günther) to equivalent concentrations of PFOA and HFPO-TA, aiming to compare their respective toxic effects on gill tissues. Our results revealed that both PFASs induced substantial pathological alterations, including oxidative stress, structural damage between gill lamellae, immunosuppression, apoptosis, and disruptions in metabolic, detoxification, and mitochondrial functions. Notably, HFPO-TA elicited more pronounced disturbances across these biological processes than PFOA. These findings suggested that HFPO-TA might exert greater gill toxicity, raising concerns about its safety profile relative to the compound it was intended to replace. Collectively, our study highlighted the need to re-evaluate the presumed safety of emerging PFAS alternatives. The greater toxicity observed for HFPO-TA challenged current assumptions that regulatory bans on legacy PFASs adequately mitigate ecological risks. As novel PFASs continue to accumulate in aquatic environments, comprehensive toxicological assessment and stricter regulatory scrutiny are urgently warranted.

PMID:41702312 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110148